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Tag: United States Coast Guard

Robert S. Pierson

Robert S. Pierson

Robert S. Pierson
Photo: wxyz.com

On the evening of November 26, the 192 meter long, 20236 dwt self-unloading bulk carrier Robert S. Pierson (IMO: 7366403) ran aground on the Detroit River south of Belle Isle along the shoreline of William Milliken State Park, Michigan. The Robert S. Pierson departed from Windsor, Ontario with 18,000 tons of stone bound for Lorain, Ohio when it stranded in the mud some 30 feet off the shoreline.

The United States Coast Guard was alerted and 2 tugboats were dispatched to help free the bulk carrier.  The tugs would work through the night and was able to free the Robert S. Pierson the following morning.

The vessels then proceeded to Windsor where it would be inspected.  There were no reports of injuries or pollution released. The cause of the grounding was not disclosed.

 

 

Abby C

Abby C

Abby C
Photo: USCG

On the morning of November 16, the fishing vessel Abby C sank in the Pacific Ocean near Grays Harbor, Washington. The Abby C had sent out a distress call that the fishing vessel was sinking. The United States Coast Guard received the call and started a search and rescue operation.  A helicopter was launched and directed to the last known coordinates of the Abby C.  Another fishing vessel some 20 miles away, the Lady Nancy, also heard the distress call and joined the search and rescue operation.

With rough conditions with swells reaching 14 feet, the Abby C crew abandoned ship into the life raft.  Two crew were able to get inside the life raft with 2 others in the water holding on to a survival suit.  Fortunately, the crew of the Abby C would be spotted by the Lady Nancy. The Lady Nancy would pull the men out of the water just as one crew member had fallen unconscious and let go of the survival suit.  One of the Lady Nancy crew donned a survival suit and jumped into the sea. He would be able to grab hold of the unconscious crew member and get him onto the vessel. The Lady Nancy crew would perform CPR with success.

Lady Nancy
Photo: facebook

The Coast Guard helicopter arrived a short time later and hoisted all four survivors to safety.  They would be taken to Hoquiam where they received medical treatment for hypothermia. Initial investigation has stated the Abby C had been struck by a large wave right after the distress call which swamped the vessel. The four crew just had enough time to evacuate into the sea before the vessel sank.

Great Pacific Adrift Twice

Great Pacific Adrift Twice

Great Pacific
Photo: USCG

On October 27, the 40 meter long, 199 gt fishing vessel Great Pacific (IMO: 7947506) became disabled in the Gulf of Alaska some 100 miles south of Yakutat, Alaska. The Great Pacific had lost power after its drive shaft broke in heavy seas with waves reaching 30 feet.  The fishing vessel requested assistance with the 46 meter long United States Coast Guard cutter John Witherspoon (MMSI: 338926458) responding. The cutter safely transferred all 5 crew off the Great Pacific and took the vessel under tow. While proceeding to Yakutat, the cutter went adrift when its main engine failed off Kayak Island. The cutter dropped the towline to the fishing vessel while it restored power.  The cutter would regain control and proceeded to Yakutat leaving the Great Pacific unmanned and adrift. No reports of injuries.

 

Authorities were able to monitor the drifting fishing vessel over the following days. A Coast Guard aircraft conducted an overflight as the Great Pacific drifted into shipping channels. The tugboat Betty was able to reach the Great Pacific before it ran aground off Kayak Island. The tug proceeded to tow the fishing vessel to Port Etches where the vessel will undergo survey and inspection for seaworthiness.