On the afternoon of November 21, the 21 meter long catamaran ferry Katie Underwood (MMSI: 367142510) allided in Doboy Sound at the Sapelo Island, Georgia. The Katie Underwood was attempting to land at the Marsh Landing when the vessel struck the dock. Fortunately, there were no injuries to the 41 persons on board. State authorities notified the United States Coast Guard who has launched an investigation into the incident. Reports state the ferry was taken out of service until investigation and inspections are completed. The extent of damage and the cause of the allision was not disclosed.
On the evening of November 21, the 336 meter long, 98849 dwt container ship One Henry Hudson (IMO: 9302176) caught fire in the Pacific Ocean at 701 East New Dock Street in San Pedro, California. An electrical fire started below deck and had spread through areas of the vessel which were inaccessible to the crew. An hour later there was an explosion mid-deck which caused a partial power blackout making the lights and onboard cranes to stop functioning.
Multiple authorities were alerted with the Los Angeles City Fire Department, United States Coast Guard, Los Angeles Port Police along with the Long Beach Fire Department and the crew on the One Henry Hudson assisting. Over 200 fire fighters along with 7 fireboats were deployed to fight the fire. Several of the vessel’s 23 crew initially assisted firefighters, but all crew members were evacuated off the vessel. As conditions on the vessel deteriorated, the fire fighters were ordered off the container ship. Fire suppression was conducted at a safe distance from shore and from fire boats.
Photo: Los Angeles Fire Department
A few hours later, authorities determined to move the One Henry Hudson from the pier to approximately 1 mile off shore near the Angel’s Gate Lighthouse. There the container ship would be at anchor while fire suppression continued and salvage teams begin efforts. There were no reports of injuries. Authorities had issues a stay at home order while the container ship was in port, but was lifted when the vessel went offshore. Reports state the fire had been contained to just one compartment by the next day. An investigation into the incident has been launched.
On the morning of November 16, the fishing vessel Abby C sank in the Pacific Ocean near Grays Harbor, Washington. The Abby C had sent out a distress call that the fishing vessel was sinking. The United States Coast Guard received the call and started a search and rescue operation. A helicopter was launched and directed to the last known coordinates of the Abby C. Another fishing vessel some 20 miles away, the Lady Nancy, also heard the distress call and joined the search and rescue operation.
With rough conditions with swells reaching 14 feet, the Abby C crew abandoned ship into the life raft. Two crew were able to get inside the life raft with 2 others in the water holding on to a survival suit. Fortunately, the crew of the Abby C would be spotted by the Lady Nancy. The Lady Nancy would pull the men out of the water just as one crew member had fallen unconscious and let go of the survival suit. One of the Lady Nancy crew donned a survival suit and jumped into the sea. He would be able to grab hold of the unconscious crew member and get him onto the vessel. The Lady Nancy crew would perform CPR with success.
Photo: facebook
The Coast Guard helicopter arrived a short time later and hoisted all four survivors to safety. They would be taken to Hoquiam where they received medical treatment for hypothermia. Initial investigation has stated the Abby C had been struck by a large wave right after the distress call which swamped the vessel. The four crew just had enough time to evacuate into the sea before the vessel sank.
