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Tag: Long Island Sound

Barges Ashore Off Connecticut

Barges Ashore Off Connecticut

Barges Aground
Photo: wtnh.com

On the night of October 30, two 140-foot long hopper barges were blown ashore on Long Island Sound some 5 miles off Milford, Connecticut. The barges had broke their moorings caused by the strong winds from the remains of Hurricane Melissa. The winds pushed the barges up against the shoreline and seawall. Local authorities along with the United States Coast Guard were alerted to the incident.  There were no injuries as there were no personnel on the barges.

Authorities stated the 2 barges will be salvaged and towed back to their original moorings on the next rising tide and if weather conditions allow. The 23.5 meter long tugboat James William (IMO: 8654364) will tow the barges to their mooring.  No reports of pollution released.

Reports state the barges are owned by Buchanan Marine and were frequently used between New Haven, Stamford and New York City.

Block Island Collision

Block Island Collision

Block Island Collision
Photo: US Coast Guard

On the evening of January 23, the 87 foot long, 297 gt scalloper Vanquish (IMO: 9633056) collided with the 55 foot long trawler Mattie and Maren II (MMSI: 367388850) in the Atlantic Ocean approximately 10 miles south of Block Island, Rhode Island.  The two fishing vessels were operating in foul weather with six foot waves and winds reaching 25 miles per hour when they collided. The Vanquish was undamaged and there were no injuries to the 6 crew onboard.  However, the Mattie and Maren II sustained hull damage resulting in uncontrolled water ingress. The 4 crew on board donned survival suits and prepared to abandon ship due to the flooding.

Mattie and Maren II

A distress call was sent out with the United States Coast Guard responding. The Coast Guard dispatched the 47 foot motor life boat from Montauk, New York along with a Jayhawk helicopter from Cape Cod.  Within an hour the motor life boat reached the Mattie and Maren II and assisted in dewatering efforts.  Unfortunately, the trawler was too far waterlogged and weather conditions were deteriorating. The four crew were transferred safely off the trawler to the motor life boat and later taken to Montauk.  No reports of injuries.

The Vanquish was able to proceed under its own power to port in New Bedford.  The Coast Guard issued out a marine alert that the trawler was adrift in the area.

Vanquish

There were no additional reports of the status of the Mattie and Maren II.  It may be assumed the trawler sank after the incident.  Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

 

Fishing Boat Fire

Fishing Boat Fire

Photo: Stratford Fire Dept.
Photo: Stratford Fire Dept.

A 40 foot fishing boat caught fire in Long Island Sound near the entrance to the Housatonic River along the Connecticut shoreline. The crew requested assistance with the Coast Guard, local fire department and other fishing vessels responding.  The fire on the vessel was extinguished, but the vessel sustained severe damage. The crew of three on board were taken to hospital.  The burnt vessel was taken under tow back to port and pulled out of the water.  Reports state the fishing boat still had 400 gallons of diesel fuel on board. The name of the vessel had not been released and the cause of the fire was not yet known.


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