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Category: Pollution

Master D

Master D

Master D
Photo: uscg

On August 30, the 68 foot long, 122 gt fishing vessel Master D caught fire in the Gulf of Mexico near Port Isabel, Texas.  All three crewmen on the Master D were forced to abandoned ship into a life raft as the smoke engulfed the vessel.  Authorities were alerted by an emergency radio beacon from the Master D and diverted the Coast Guard Cutter Coho to the scene. The Coho arrived and safely rescued all three crew members.  No reports of injuries.  

After burning for two days, the Master D sank 58 miles off Port Isabel.  Reports show a light sheen over the wreck location.  The Coast Guard has reported that it will work with a salvage team to remove any diesel fuel or oil pollution released by the fishing vessel. The Master D had some 23,000 gallons of fuel on board at the time of the incident. 

George H. Ledcor

George H. Ledcor

George H. Ledcor
photo: vancouversun.com

On August 14, the 18 meter long tugboat George H. Ledcor sank on the Fraser River between Vancouver and Richmond, British Columbia, Canada. The tug was towing a gravel barge when it suddenly capsized and sank. The four crew on board were thrown into the water and later rescued by a nearby tug.  No reports of injuries.

A sheen was spotted over the sunken tug as diesel fuel is released. Authorities place booms around the wreck site and divers are dispatched to plug fuel vents on the tugboat. Reports state the George H. Ledcor had nearly 22,000 litres of fuel on board at the time of the sinking. 

A crane barge was dispatched to raise the George H. Ledcor from the bottom. The Canadian Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.

 

Pacific Quest

Pacific Quest

Pacific Quest
Photo: uscg

On August 11, the 56 foot long fishing vessel Pacific Quest ran aground in Monterey Bay near Santa Cruz in the Natural Bridges State Park, California.  The vessel had run ashore during the earlier morning hours at low tide.  The captain who was the sole person on board abandoned ship and walk up the beach to safety.  The captain had alerted the Coast Guard and attempting to arrange a tug to pull the Pacific Quest free. 

An inspection found the fishing vessel had sustained too much hull damage and could not be pulled off the beach.  The Coast Guard is monitoring the situation as the vessel owners have arranged to remove the fuel off the vessel. 

 

Reports state the Pacific Quest has partially broken up on the beach.  The Pacific Quest had some 1200 gallons of diesel fuel on board at the time of the incident. Authorities state some 200 gallons of diesel is known to leak out onto the beach and into the water.