On February 14, the 18 meter long, 146 gt fishing vessel Cape Cordell (IMO: 8950562) ran aground just outside Fortune Harbour, Newfoundland, Canada. The Cape Cordell had arrived just outside Fortune in bad weather with some 65,000 pounds of redfish in its hold.  When the crew was extending out its stabilizing arms, the fishing vessel drifted ashore. Local authorities along with the Canadian Coast Guard were alerted. Local fire fighters assisted three of the crew to evacuate from the vessel.  A rope ladder was lowered allowing the three crew in immersion survival suits to reach shore. No reports of injuries.

The Coast Guard arrived on scene and attempted multiple times to pull the fishing vessel free, but the vessel remained stuck on the rocks. Reports state the Cape Cordell has sustained some damage to its hull, but no reports of pollution released. The remaining crew on board the Cape Cordell decided to leave the vessel until weather conditions improved.

Updates:

On February 20, authorities reported that all diesel fuel and oil on board the Cape Cordell had been removed.  A contracted tug made another attempt to pull the Cape Cordell, but was unsuccessful.

On February 22, there was another attempt to free the Cape Cordell.  Using two tugs and the high tide, the fishing vessel was pulled free. Reports state that multiple lines snapped before the fishing vessel got pulled off the rocks.  The Cape Cordell was then towed to a dock in Fortune where it will be inspected.

Final Update:

Initial reports stated that the Cape Cordell had only sustained minor hull damage from the grounding, but further inspection found the vessel’s hull was in poor shape. The Cape Cordell‘s hull had deteriorated where salvage was not an option. The vessel was later scrapped.