On April 27, the 63 foot long fishing vessel Paulo Marc became disabled 90 miles off Portland, Maine. The trawler had suffered engine problems which left it without power while out fishing for groundfish. The vessel requested assistance with the Coast Guard dispatching the 87 foot cutter to the scene. The cutter towed the Paulo Marc towards Portland where near the shoreline another fishing vessel took over the tow. No reports of injuries to the four crew on board.
The 5184 dwt freighter Fletum became damaged while en route to Casablanca, Morocco from Antwerp. The freighter’s hull had been punctured below the waterline allowing water ingress causing the vessel to develop a slight list. The vessel headed for the nearest port to make repairs. The Fletum dropped anchor at Portland, England before entering the harbour. Authorities are monitoring the vessel for possible pollution being released as the Fletum was loaded with 4,800 tons of ammonium sulphate in its hold. The Fletum spent a few hours to make repairs and was was set to continue on its voyage. No reports of injuries.
The 102 meter long, 3177 dwt cargo vessel Westwind II went aground on the harbour breakwall at Portland, Dorset, England. The Westwind II had contacted the port authorties that it had dragged its anchor and had gone aground on the northeast breakwall. None of the 11 crewmen on board were injured and no reports of pollution being released. Port authorities and the Portland Coastguard were conducting recovery operations.
Earilier in the week, an MP’s request to keep a coastguard operation center open in Dorset was rejected. The current government plans to reduce the number of centers from 18 to just ten with none in operation in Dorset.
