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Seahorse Update

Seahorse Update

Seahorse
Photo: youtube.com

June 11 Update

The United States Coast Guard states the 30 foot fishing vessel Seahorse was discovered sunk in Cape Cod Bay in 25 feet of water near Billingsgate Shoal off Wellfleet, Massachusetts. The Seahorse was discovered by a recreational fisherman who was dragging fishing gear during low tide.  The Coast Guard dispatched the cutter William Sparling to the site. Divers were able to identify the fishing vessel and found two bodies within the vessel.  Divers recovered the bodies and authorities have contacted their families.

The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident. They are looking into when and why the vessel sank. The Coast Guard plans to begin salvage operations and recover the fishing vessel.

Some information about the vessel has been released to the media. A family member stated the Seahorse was fishing in an area not typical for it. A report with a person familiar with the vessel stated the Seahorse could be “tender” to rolling.  Another report stated the Seahorse was mechanically sound after being inspected by a mechanic.  There have been no statements if the Seahorse was equipped with a EPIRB or why there was no distress call made before the vessel sank.

Lomaiviti Princess II

Lomaiviti Princess II

Lomaiviti Princess II
Photo: fijitimes.com

On the night of June 1, the 60 meter long ro-ro passenger ferry Lomaiviti Princess 2 (IMO: 7824924) capsized and partially sank in Walu Bay at Suva Harbour, Fiji. A tugboat had towed the unmanned Lomaiviti Princess 2 away from the jetty when it had lost stability and developed a sharp a starboard list. As the list increased, the passenger ferry took on water until it capsized and partially sank in 5 meters of water.  There were no injuries.

Authorities placed booms around the vessel, but diesel fuel pollution was not totally contained. A visible sheen of diesel fuel can be seen in Suva harbour. Authorities have issued a coastal warning and placed yellow buoys to indicate the boundary of the oil pollution. Reports state the Lomaiviti Princess 2 had been moored at the jetty since 2019 and had been used as a dumping ground. No reports if Fiji authorities will conduct an investigation into the incident, how the pollution will be mitigated and when the ferry will be salvaged or removed.

Ron Jeremy

Ron Jeremy

Ron Jeremy

On the early morning of June 1, the 25 meter long tugboat Ron Jeremy (MMSI: 265587130) sank in Bothnian Bay south of Rödkallen Lighthouse near Piteå, Sweden. The tugboat was towing a barge loaded with timber when the tugboat suffered uncontrolled water ingress. The four crew members on board were unable to contain the flooding and were forced to abandon ship. Three of the crew were able to reach the barge and contact authorities. A SRS rescue boat arrived on site and rescued the three crew members. All three suffered from hypothermia and suffered minor injuries. The crew were later taken to hospital for treatment.  Authorities launched a search and rescue operation for the missing crew member. Multiple SRS vessels aided by two pilot boats and aircraft from the Swedish Coast Guard and one from Finland searched the area.  After several hours of searching the area, authorities were not able to find the missing crew member.

Ron Jeremy
Photo: sjofartstidningen.se

The Swedish Coast Guard reported seeing a small sheen of oil pollution over where the tugboat sank. Reports state the tug sank in 4o meters of water and divers were being sent to help close vents to prevent further fuel being released. The amount of fuel released from the Ron Jeremy has not been disclosed, but authorities have stated it should not have any environmental impact to the nearby shorelines. There are approximately 5,000 litres of diesel fuel still onboard the wreck. The incident is under investigation by the Swedish police.