On the evening of August 17, the 19 meter long, 185 gt fishing vessel Atlantic Treasure (IMO: 8950512) sank in the Atlantic Ocean some 300 kilometers off Canada. The Atlantic Treasure was on the Grand Banks when a seawater pipe burst. Eight crew members attempted to control the flooding while 3 other crew members deployed the life-rafts and prepared the safety gear just in case. The crew quickly found the bilge pumps on board were overwhelmed by the water ingress and the Atlantic Treasure was sinking. The water level rose quickly and eventually flooded the engine room leaving the fishing vessel without power. With the vessel now listing hard over there was no choice for the 11 crew but to abandon ship into a life raft.
Fortunately, the Atlantic Treasure was able to send out a distress call alerting the Canadian Coast Guard and nearby vessels. The Coast Guard dispatched a helicopter, but it would be several hours before it could reach the area. Luckily the 14 meter long fishing vessel Maid of Amsterdam (MMSI:316053143) was heading back from fishing only 40 kilometers away. Hearing the distress call, the Maid of Amsterdam changed course to assist in the search and rescue. It would take around 3 hour when the Maid of Amsterdam reached the survivors. All 11 crew from the Atlantic Treasure would be found and taken on board the Maid of Amsterdam. The Canadian Coast Guard helicopter arrived soon afterwards and found the crew was safe. The Maid of Amsterdam then proceeded to back to port on Cape Breton with the 11 survivors. There were no reports of injuries.
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