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Tag: United States Coast Guard

Sunnfjord

Sunnfjord

Sunnfjord
Photo: uscg

On January 31, the 87 foot long fishing vessel Sunnfjord sank off Cape Alava, Washington. The Sunnfjord had suffered water ingress and the vessel’s pumps had failed. Unable to control the flooding, the crew contacted the Coast Guard for assistance. The Coast Guard dispatched several cutters, motor lifeboats and a helicopter to scene.  Rescuers arrived on scene and first attempted to pass over dewatering pumps to the Sunnfjord.  The pumps were unable to stop the flooding and the five crew abandoned ship.  The crew were rescued before the Sunnfjord sank in 300 feet of water.  No reports of injuries.  The Sunnfjord had some 800 gallons of diesel fuel on board at the time of the sinking.

George King

George King

George King
Photo: uscg

On January 24, the 42 meter long towboat George King caught fire on the Mississippi River near Vicksburg, Mississippi. The fire started in the vessel’s engine room and quickly engulfed the superstructure. The nine crew on board were able escape the flames by climbing onto the barges being pushed by the George King.  The 168 foot long towboat Michael Reeves came to their assistance and pushed the George King ashore onto the river bank.  No reports of injuries.

George King
Photo: uscg

The Coast Guard along with other local and state authorities arrived on scene a short time later. River traffic was restricted while authorities extinguished the blaze.  A boom and absorbent pads were placed around the George King to contain any pollution.  Reports state there was 65,000 gallons of diesel fuel on board the George King.

The fire had gutted most the towboat’s superstructure and no reports if the George King will be salvaged or scrapped.

Ricky Robinson

Ricky Robinson

Ricky Robinson
Photo: towboatgallery.com

On December 8, the 66 foot long towboat Ricky Robinson sank on the Mississippi River off Mud Island near Memphis, Tennessee. It is unclear what caused the towboat to sink. The Coast Guard was notified and begun a search and rescue operation for the two people on board.  A search by local authorities and the Coast Guard were unable to locate the two crew.

However, authorities were able to find the Ricky Robinson which now rests on the bottom in 65 feet of water. The owners of the vessel state they will salvage the towboat. The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.