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.
Photo: uscg
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.
On March 20, the 39 meter long fishing vessel Deborah collided with the 82 meter long, 2289 dwt cargo vessel Britannica Hav in the English Channel near Cherbourg, France. The Britannica Hav was en route to Keadby from Santander with a cargo of steel when it was struck amidships by the Deborah. The Britannica Hav sustained severe hull damage and the cargo holds quickly filled with water. Her seven crew were able to escape into the cargo vessel’s two life rafts before the Britannica Hav capsized.
The Deborah was able to rescue the seven crewmen from the life rafts. Authorities dispatched a helicopter from Jobourg to assist. The helicopter was able to hoist all seven crew from the Britannica Hav off the trawler. One crewman from the Britannica Hav suffered slight injuries and was taken to hospital.
The Deborah sustained bow damage during the collision, but was able to stay afloat. The master of the Deborah also sustained injuries, but decided to stay on board the vessel until it could return back to port in Zeebrugge. There he was later taken to hospital for treatment.
Authorities dispatched patrol boats to the scene to monitor the overturned Britannica Hav. Pollution from the fuel tanks was spotted around the wreck. Debris including several hatch covers were being tracked as being a danger to navigation.
Photo: francebleu.fr
Photo: lemarin.fr
Photo: lemarin.fr
Photo: lemarin.fr
Photo: lemarin.fr
Photo: francebleu.fr
Photo: nieuwsblad.be
Reports state the authorities dispatched the tug Abeille Liberté to the scene to take the overturned Britannica Hav under tow. After connecting a towline, they proceeded for Le Havre at a slow speed so that the Britannica Hav would not sink. Another tug was dispatched and recovered the hatch covers.
On March 18, the fishing vessel Captain Joe became disabled some 110 miles off Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The Captain Joe had suffered a power blackout when its battery died. The crew was able to alert a nearby fishing vessel who relayed the request to the Coast Guard. A Coast Guard helicopter was dispatched and was able to lower a portable marine radio. The helicopter returned and lowered a battery to the Captain Joe. The crew was able to restore power. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
