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Tag: Atlantic Ocean

Jacqueline A

Jacqueline A

Jacqueline A
Photo: North Myrtle Beach Rescue Squad

On August 8, the 18 meter long towboat Jacqueline A (MMSI: 367299940) sank 3 miles off North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The towboat was en route from Virginia to a shipyard in Harvey, Louisiana when it suffered water ingress. The three crew on board were unable to control the flooding and the Jacqueline A began to sink by the stern. The Jacqueline A requested assistance with the North Myrtle Beach Rescue Squad responding. Local responders aided in rescuing all three crewmembers. No reports of injuries.  Reports state the towboat sank in 30 feet of water.

Jacqueline A
Photo: North Myrtle Beach Rescue Squad

On August 21, the Jacqueline A was raised and salvaged from the bottom. The vessel sustained significant damage that the cost of repairs was more than the value of the towboat. The vessel was declared a total loss.  An investigation into the incident revealed that the vessel had multiple holes which allowed water to ingress through out the vessel.  Many bulkheads were rendered useless by holes used for wire runs. The investigation stated the vessel was known to be in poor condition and should have had a more thorough inspection before proceeding on its voyage.

Bald Eagle II

Bald Eagle II

Bald Eagle II
Photo: US Coast Guard

On December 7, the fishing vessel Bald Eagle II ran aground off Southern Shores, North Carolina.  The vessel had dropped anchor when rough seas caused the vessel to drift ashore. The crew requested assistance and the Coast Guard dispatched a helicopter from Elizabeth City and a vessel from Oregon Inlet to the scene. The helicopter arrived on scene first and was able to rescue all 4 crew off the vessel to safety.  No reports of injuries.

The Bald Eagle II remained aground for several days until it was refloated on December 15. The tug John Joseph was able to pull the fishing vessel free with the assistance of a backhoe which cleared out sand away from the hull.  No reports of pollution released.

The Ghost Ship Alta

The Ghost Ship Alta

Ghost Ship Alta 2020
Photo: mirror.co.uk

The 77 meter long, 1640 dwt cargo vessel Alta went ashore off Ballycotton, Cork, Ireland. The Alta had been blown ashore by Storm Dennis.  Local authorities dispatched a helicopter and found the Alta was high and dry on the rocks.  An inspection found the vessel had been a derelict for some time just like the Mary Celeste.  No reports of pollution.

Unlike prior ghost ships in the Atlantic Ocean, there are accounts of the Alta.  The Alta had been last reported in September 2019 when it was found abandoned in the mid-Atlantic Ocean.  The Royal Navy HMS Protector found the Alta over 1000 miles from the Caribbean Sea and 1500 miles off Africa.

An investigation found the vessel had originally departed from Greece and was en route to Haiti in October 2018 when it became disabled.  The 10 crew had abandoned ship and spent 20 days in lifeboats before the United States Coast Guard rescued them.  Reports state the ship’s owner had contracted a tug to take the Alta under tow to Saint Maarten, but this proved to be false.  Between 2018 and 2019, the Alta had been reported as hijacked off Guyana before it was left abandoned.