The fishing vessel QN 90136 TS with 28 crewmen aboard was reported adrift after suffering engine failure in the South China Sea near Cu Lao Xanh Island (13 16N 112 03E). There is concern about the fishing vessel as the weather situation is bad.
The 80-foot fishing vessel Meridian was in distress twice within two weeks. On February 21, 2011 the Meridian contacted the Coast Guard for assistance while off the coast of Rockland, Maine. The Meridian reported that it had lost power and the vessel’s generator was broken. The 270-foot Coast Guard Cutter Seneca took the Meridian under tow and safely reached Boston on February 22.
Less than a week later on February 27, the Meridian sent out a distress call while off Cape Ann, Massachusetts Bay stating the vessel was in distress. The Coast Guard sent out a request to see if any vessels were in the vicinity of the Meridian and could assist if possible. The 133 foot long, 158 gt tug Viking responded and headed towards the Meridian. The weather conditions were severe with 25-30 knot winds and 8 to 12 foot waves. The Viking’s crew was able to get a towline over the fishing vessel using a line throwing gun. The Viking then towed the vessel towards Gloucester until the Meridian could be transferred to the Coast Guard. The Viking is owned by the K-Sea Transportation.
The 1931 dwt freighter Helga sank off the Caye Caulker, Belize. The Helga with 11 crew and a cargo of salt from Panama was proceeding to Mexico when it encountered bad weather with 8 to 15 foot swells and 15 to 25 knot winds. The master of the vessel decided to seek shelter behind an island, but the vessel began to take on water and developed a list. The master of the Helga pointed the vessel towards shore and sent out a distress call. The Helga capsized onto its side and the crew jumped off with the Helga’s engines still running. Eight of the 11 crew were able to make it to life rafts. They were rescued by the Belize National Coast Guard. The Coast Guard reports they were suffering from the cold and de-hydrated, but in good shape. The 3 missing crew, including the master of the Helga, had life jackets on when they abandoned ship. Efforts are being made by the Coast Guard to locate these men.