On December 3, the fishing vessel Laura K sank in Broadford Bay. The one crewman on board sent out a distress call that the Laura K had suffered water ingress and was sinking. The fishing vessel Jamiain and the RNLI lifeboat from Kyle of Lochalsh responded. The Jamiain reached the scene first taking the crewman off the Laura K. The lifeboat arrived a few minutes later just as the Laura K sank. No reports of injuries.
The 10 meter long fishing vessel Southern Star P31 sank in the North Sea off Dunwich, Suffolk, England. The crew of the Southern Star were just able to alert the Thames Coastguard as the vessel suffered massive water ingress in the engine compartment. The uncontrolled flooding just took a few minutes to sink the Southern Star. The crew of three were able to abandoned ship into the vessel’s life raft. The Thames Coastguard sent out rescue vessels along with two RNLI lifeboats to the scene. The Southern Star crew were spotted and recovered by the fishing vessel, Mistress Three. The crew was later transferred to the Southwold lifeboat. No reports of injuries. Reports state the Southern Star had departed from Lowestoft and had suffered a mechanical problem before it sank.
The 18 meter long fishing vessel Prospect BF573 went aground just outside the Lerwick harbour, Shetland Islands. The Prospect went hard aground on the rocks locally known as Skibby Baa while going full speed at low tide. The impact caused severe hull damage and water ingress. The crew requested assistance with the Shetland Coastguard, Lerwick RNLI lifeboat, and other rescue vessels responding. The rescuers placed six pumps on board the fishing vessel while it floated free on the rising tide. The Prospect was taken under tow by the RNLI lifeboat and proceeded towards the harbour. However, the pumps could not keep up with the flooding and the Prospect began to list over. The Prospect foundered bow first. No reports of injuries. Authorities are monitoring the site for pollution. No reports if the vessel will be recovered or salvaged.
