On the afternoon of December 2, the 19 meter long, 68 gt fishing vessel FN 267 Emilie (MMSI: 219001917) ran aground in the Kattegat at the outer breakwater at Skagen, Denmark. The DSRS dispatched a lifeboat to assist and found the trawler sitting up on the rocks. Initial attempts to pull the FN 267 Emilie free were unsuccessful. A tugboat and another trawler were ready to assist in pulling the vessel free when the FN 267 Emilie slipped off the breakwater. The fishing vessel proceeded into Skagen. No reports of injuries or pollution released. The extent of damage was not disclosed.
Just after midnight on December 1, the 50 foot long fishing vessel Wind Walker (MMSI: 367610250) capsized and sunk in the Icy Strait near Point Couverden, Alaska. The Wind Walker had sent out a distress call stating the vessel was “overturning” which was received by the nearby 85 meter long, 6096 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry Hubbard (IMO:9812808). The Hubbard relayed the message to the United States Coast Guard. The Coast Guard also received an EPIRB alert from the Wind Walker suggesting the vessel had foundered after it capsized.
Ferry Hubbard
The ferry Hubbard was first to reach the area of the distress call. The search found seven cold-water immersion suits and two strobe lights in the sea. The Coast Guard was conducting the search of the area with a Jayhawk helicopter and a 45-foot response boat. The search is also being assisted by the Hubbard and other fishing vessels for the missing crew of the Wind Walker. Unconfirmed reports state there were 5 crew on board the Wind Walker at the time. The Coast Guard stated the fishing vessel had been in rough conditions with heavy blinding snow with 60 mile per hour winds and seas with 6 foot swells. The Coast Guard has stated they have the cutter Healy is now in the search area and the cutter Douglas Denman was being directed to the area to assist in the efforts.
On November 26, the 22 meter long, 61 gt fishing vessel Samantha (MMSI: 219002838) ran aground off the island of Rømø, Denmark. The DSRS dispatched two lifeboats while the DGzRS dispatched a vessel to the scene later the same day. The lifeboats initial attempts to pull the Samantha free were unsuccessful. It would not be until the following morning on November 27 when the lifeboats were able to refloat the trawler. The Samantha was able to proceed safely to Havneby. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
