On January 2, the 308 foot long fishing carrier Ou Ya Leng No. 6 ran aground in the Marshall Islands on Taka Atoll. United States Coast Guard dispatched an aircraft to scene and found the crew was safe and no signs of pollution. Two fishing vessels were en route to help unload cargo from the Ou Ya Leng No. 6.
Reports state no injuries to the 24 crew. The incident is under investigation.
On July 26, the fishing vessel Virginia J sank in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Half Moon Bay, California. The Virginia J suffered water ingress and a distress call was sent out. The Coast Guard dispatched a helicopter and the 47 foot long response vessel to the scene. The Coast Guard also alerted other fishing vessels to assist in the rescue effort. The fishing vessel Redeemer responded and rescued the two crewmen off the Virigina J. No reports of injuries. The Virginia J later sank a few miles offshore. The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.
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.