The 32 meter long fishing vessel Starfrakt became disabled off Lepsøyrevet, Norway. The Starfrakt had sustained engine failure and gone adrift. The three crew on board dropped anchor to prevent the fishing vessel from running aground. A NSSR lifeboat was dispatched to the scene and took the Starfrakt under tow. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
On April 1, the 90 foot long fishing vessel Margaret Rose became disabled in the Atlantic Ocean some 40 miles off Atlantic City, New Jersey. The Margaret Rose had suffered a power blackout after its main engine failed. The crew requested assistance with the Coast Guard Cutter Dolphin responding. The Dolphin arrived on scene and took the Margaret Rose under tow. The two vessels proceeded to Cape May, New Jersey where the Margaret Rose dropped anchor. Reports state there was no injuries to the seven crew on board, damage or pollution released.
On March 25, the 61 foot long fishing vessel Princess Hawaii sank 400 miles north of the coast of Hawaii. The longliner was fishing when it was struck by a rogue wave. The wave swamped the Princess Hawaii and knocking several crew overboard into the water. The crew launched the vessel’s life raft and sent out a distress call.
The Coast Guard along with nearby fishing vessels responded to the scene. The fishing vessel Commander arrived on scene 12 hours later and pulled all 8 crew to safety. No reports of injuries. The Commander was reported to be headed for Honolulu and arrive in a few days.
Reports state there was an observer from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on board the Princess Hawaii at the time of the sinking. The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.