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Tag: Pacific Ocean

Ohama Maru No 8

Ohama Maru No 8

Ohama Maru No 8
Photo: www.yomiuri.co.jp

On the early morning of January 6, the  30 meter long, 80 gt fishing vessel Ohama Maru No. 8 (IMO: 2694609) capsized 31 kilometers east of Kitaibaraki, Japan. The fishing vessel with 20 crew on board was fishing for sardines assisted by two other vessels.  As the Ohama Maru No. 8 was hauling in the catch along its starboard hull, it lost stability and began to list. Even with another vessel connected a line to the port side and pulling at full speed, the the Ohama Maru No. 8 to further list.  The crew attempted to cut the net to release the fish and restore stability, but it was too late and the fishing vessel capsized.

After being thrown overboard, 15 of the 20 crew were rescued from the water. Two additional crew members were later recovered, but they had perished during the incident. Three crew were  reported as missing. The Japan Coast Guard launched a search and rescue operation with four patrol vessels and a helicopter searching the area.  The Coast Guard stated the vessel sank in over 200 meters of water and was too deep for divers to inspect the hull.

Ohama Maru No 8
Photo: www.yomiuri.co.jp

Reports state the Ohama Maru No. 8 had been able to haul in large catches in the past. One of the crew stated the catch was roughly 300 tons and the fishing vessel had brought in safely catches over 500 tons.

The police have launched an investigation into the incident. Reports state the police are considering charges of professional negligence resulting in death and a possibility of neglect in safety management. Reports state there is a large oil sheen visible above the wreck. No word if the vessel would be recovered or if there would be attempts to secure the fuel tanks.

Net Effect

Net Effect

Net Effect
Photo: keyt.com

On the morning of December 13, the 65 foot long fishing vessel Net Effect capsized on the Pacific Ocean off the harbor at Ventura, California. Reports state the vessel had turn turtle just outside the harbor sending the crew of 4 into the water. The local harbor patrol along with a nearby fishing vessel reached the Net Effect within minutes. The four crew were pulled from the water with two requiring medical attention. They were taken ashore and transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Net Effect
Photo: keyt.com

The Coast Guard has jurisdiction and has started efforts to have fuel removed off the vessel. Reports state the Net Effect is in no danger of sinking. The cause of the capsizing has not been disclosed.

Luther

Luther

Luther
Photo: USCG

On the afternoon of October 18, 2024 the 31.7 meter long, 158 gt tugboat Luther (IMO: 7427477) became disabled on the Pacific Ocean 10 miles off La Push, Washington. The Luther was towing a concrete barge when it suffered steering failure while in strong winds and waves.  The tugboat suffered water ingress as it drifted towards the shore.  Unable to fix the steering, the Luther contacted the Coast Guard requesting assistance.

The Coast Guard dispatched a 47-foot motor lifeboat and an emergency tug along with aircraft from the Air Station from Astoria, Washington.  The Coast Guard arrived on scene and found the Luther still afloat with the barge nearby, but the towline between the vessels had been disconnected. While setting up a towline to the Luther with the emergency tug, the barge nearly collided with the vessels prompting the Coast Guard to transfer the 5 crew of the Luther to another lifeboat.  The Coast Guard dispatched additional vessels which secured a towline to the Luther along with the concrete barge.  All the vessels proceeded to a safe harbor.  No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.