Canis Majoris

Canis Majoris

Hubbard

On the evening of February 20, the 43 foot long fishing vessel Canis Majoris went missing in the Nichols Passage near Thorne Bay, Prince of Wales Island, Alaska. The Coast Guard was alerted by the fishing vessel’s EPIRB and launched a search and rescue operation. The Coast Guard deployed a helicopter from Sitka along with a fast response boat from Ketchikan and the 46 meter long cutter John McCormick to search the area. The 86 meter long, 6096 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry Hubbard (IMO:9812808) was headed for Juneau was nearby and joined in the search.  The Hubbard found a life raft and floating debris but no survivors. The Coast Guard continued the search for another 25 hours before calling it off.  Authorities stated there was likely only one person onboard at the time the vessel was lost.

John McCormick

Birgit G

Birgit G

Birgit G

On the evening of February 21, the 88 meter long, 1460 dwt cargo vessel Birgit G (IMO: 9536064) became disabled on the North Sea off Westerhever, Germany. The vessel had suffered engine problems and dropped anchor to undergo repairs.  After completing repairs, the crew requested the DGzRS to escort the cargo vessel to Büsum in case of another engine breakdown. The DGzRS deployed the search and rescue vessel Theodor Storm out of Büsum and proceeded to escort the Birgit G to port.  Around 3:30 a.m. on February 22, the vessels were just 5.4 nautical miles off Büsum when the Birgit G main engine failed.  The Birgit G was able to drop it’s anchor again. Later the Theodor Storm proceeded to transport technicians and inspectors to the Birgit G to assist in repairs.  Reports state a tug towed the Birgit G into port the next day.  No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.

Theodor Storm
Photo: DGzRS

 

Thor

Thor

Thor
Photo: workboat.com

On the morning of February 18, the 22 meter long, 163 gt towboat Thor (IMO: 8842246) caught fire on the Delaware River near Pea Patch Island, Pennsylvania. The Thor was pushing two barges between Delaware City and Old New Castle when a fire broke out in the engine room.  The crew was able to escape the blaze, but the fire had disabled the steering and the towboat went adrift. The crew sent out a distress call and were rescued by a nearby vessel. No reports of injuries.

The United States Coast Guard along with local authorities dispatched fire fighting vessels to the scene. Reports states the fire was extinguished and the Thor was taken under tow by the tug Wye River (IMO: 9512379).  The incident is under investigation.