On November 1, the fishing vessel Rockland Gulf ran aground near Jameson Point, Rockland, Maine. The lobster boat had broken free of its mooring and drifted ashore. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released. The vessel was expected to be refloated on a high tide. Authorities asked the owner to remove all fuel and oil off the vessel to avoid any potential release of pollution.
The 45 foot long fishing vessel No Limits sank during a snowstorm off Rockland, Maine. The vessel had suffered water ingress and the three crew on board sent out distress call off Matinicus Island. The Coast Guard tried to contact the No Limits, but their calls went unanswered. The Coast Guard suspected the fishing vessel had sunk and launched a search and rescue operation dispatching a motor lifeboat and Jayhawk helicopter to the last known position. The helicopter crew arrived on scene and were alerted by a flare from a single life raft. The helicopter crew found there was just the captain of the No Limits in the raft. The Coast Guard hoisted him aboard and later taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The two crew from the No Limits were still reported missing. The Coast Guard continued search and rescue operations. Covering some 130 square miles, the search for the missing men continued through out the night until the next day when operations suspended.
The 80-foot fishing vessel Meridian was in distress twice within two weeks. On February 21, 2011 the Meridian contacted the Coast Guard for assistance while off the coast of Rockland, Maine. The Meridian reported that it had lost power and the vessel’s generator was broken. The 270-foot Coast Guard Cutter Seneca took the Meridian under tow and safely reached Boston on February 22.
Less than a week later on February 27, the Meridian sent out a distress call while off Cape Ann, Massachusetts Bay stating the vessel was in distress. The Coast Guard sent out a request to see if any vessels were in the vicinity of the Meridian and could assist if possible. The 133 foot long, 158 gt tug Viking responded and headed towards the Meridian. The weather conditions were severe with 25-30 knot winds and 8 to 12 foot waves. The Viking’s crew was able to get a towline over the fishing vessel using a line throwing gun. The Viking then towed the vessel towards Gloucester until the Meridian could be transferred to the Coast Guard. The Viking is owned by the K-Sea Transportation.
