Massachusetts - Shipwreck Log

On January 17, the fishing vessel Miss Sandy sank in the Atlantic Ocean some 7 nautical miles off Gloucester Harbor, Massachusetts. The fishing vessel had suffered water ingress in the engine room. Unable to stop the flooding with over 4 feet of water in the engine room, the fishing vessel sent out a distress call requesting assistance. Within 30 minutes, the United States Coast Guard’s cutter William Chadwick (WPC-1150) had reached the Miss Sandy. Dewatering pumps were placed on board the fishing vessel and the crew was safely evacuated over to the cutter. The William Chadwick attached a towline and proceeded towards Gloucester. Unfortunately, the flooding increased and overwhelmed the pumps before the vessels reached port. The cutter dropped the towline just before the Miss Sandy sank. No reports of injuries.

Guardian

January 3, 2025 Paul Hancock

On the morning of January 3, the 70 foot long fishing vessel Guardian ran aground in Cape Cod Bay near Wellfleet, Massachusetts. The Guardian had ran ashore onto the beach and was left high and dry. The Coast Guard dispatched a tug and was able to refloat the fishing vessel later the same day with the rising tide. No reports of injuries to the 5 crew on board, no damage and no pollution was released. The cause of grounding was not disclosed.

Lucinda Smith

December 9, 2024 Paul Hancock

On the morning of December 7, a fire broke out on the 85 foot long, 200 gt tugboat Lucinda Smith (IMO:8333166) moored on the Acushnet River in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Local fire fighters found the tug engulfed in flames with the engine room, staterooms and pilot house ablaze. Multiple fire fighting teams were able to extinguish the blaze with no injuries to the crew of the Lucinda Smith or fire fighters. Damage was extensive with multiple compartments completely gutted by the fire. Authorities placed booms around the tug to contain any pollution released.

The fire is under investigation by the New Bedford Fire Department. Reports state the Coast Guard and other authorities were notified of the incident. No reports if other authorities will conduct an investigation into the incident.