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Sebastian Sails

Sebastian Sails

Sebastian Sails
Photo: vocm.com

On August 13, the 60 foot long fishing vessel Sebastian Sails caught fire while berthed at Twillingate, Newfoundland, Canada. Witnesses spotted smoke rising from the wheelhouse and alerted authorities.  Before authorities could respond, the blaze had spread through out the vessel.  Explosions and dense black smoke rose from the hull.  Nearby fishing vessels were moved safely away from the Sebastian Sails.  The fire continued to spread and reached the wharf itself.  To reach the burning wharf timbers, fire fighters had to break through concrete and asphalt to reach the flames. After hours of hard work firefighters eventually got the fire under control, but the Sebastian Sails sustained heavy damage. 

The superstructure of the fishing vessel had been badly gutted and the vessel later sank at the pier.  Authorities state over 50 feet of wharf had been burnt by the fire.  No reports of injuries.  Booms were placed around the Sebastian Sails to contain any pollution released. Several reports state the Sebastian Sails may be a total loss.  The vessel featured on the Canadian Discovery Channel’s TV program Cold Water Cowboys for four seasons.

Emanuele S

Emanuele S

Emanuele S
Photo: journalsaint-francois.ca

The 164 meter long, 20718 dwt tanker Emanuele S became disabled on the St. Lawrence Seaway near Valleyfield, Quebec. The Emmanuel S suffered a mechanical malfunction with steering and dropped anchor near the Larocque Bridge while en route to Montreal.  The crew was unable to make repairs and requested a technician to be flown to the vessel.  No reports of injuries or pollution released.

Challenger Traveler

Challenger Traveler

Challenger Traveler
Photo: cbc.ca

The 63 foot long fishing vessel Challenger Traveler caught fire near St. John’s, Canada.  The vessel sent out a distress call before the four crew on board donned immersion suits and abandoned ship into the vessel’s life raft.  Two coast guard vessels and nearby fishing vessels responded to the call.  The crew waited two hours before rescuers found them. All four were rescued and returned to port on the fishing vessel Atlantic Bandit.  No report of injuries. 

Challenger Traveler
Photo: cbc.ca

The fire consumed the Challenger Traveler until it burnt to the water’s edge and the vessel sank.  Authorities stated there was some oil sheen visible where the fishing vessel sank.