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.
On June 10, the United States Coast Guard listed the 30 foot fishing vessel Seahorse as overdue. The Seahorse was last known to be fishing in Cape Cod Bay near the “Target” shipwreck (read more below) off Eastham, Massachusetts. The Coast Guard states the vessel and the 2 crew members onboard were to have been back in port on June 8 and that a ping from a cell phone of a crew member had located the vessel just 2 miles offshore of Chatham. The Coast Guard has asked for anyone who has any information about the missing fishing vessel to contact the Southern New England Command Center. The Seahorse has a painted mermaid on its bow and the name of the vessel painted on the stern.
SS James Longstreet: The “Target” shipwreck
In the spring of 1945, the 441 foot long, 7000 dwt liberty ship SS James Longstreet was run aground on New Found Shoal off Eastham, Massachusetts. The vessel was only 3 years old being built in 1942 in Houston, Texas. During the war, the SS James Longstreet had completed three voyages which included reaching Australia, India and Sri Lanka along with trips to various ports to England. The liberty ship was able to avoid submarines and enemy planes, but the vessel was less unlucky on its return trip to America. In late 1943, the SS James Longstreet got caught in a severe nor’easter and was unable to keep itself from going aground off Sandy Hook, New Jersey. Salvage efforts were able to pull the vessel free, but the liberty ship had sustained too much hull damage and declared a total loss.
Photo: capecodtimes.com
Rather than scrap the liberty ship, the US Navy repaired the hull, but stripped the SS James Longstreet of all its machinery and gear. The vessel was then towed to various locations to be moored for “target practice” The Navy moored the vessel off New York until a gale in November 1944 the SS James Longstreet broke her moorings and drifted away. The vessel evaded the US Navy until December 8 when it was recovered and towed to Norfolk. There the vessel was there until February 1945 when it was towed to its final resting place in Cape Cod Bay. There the SS James Longstreet was grounded on the reef and allowed to settle where much of the hull remained above water. For years the vessel was used for target practice until 1970 when it was left as a derelict. The hulk remained visible until late 1996 when a storm caused the remains to sink into deeper water. Reports state that part of the vessel can still be visible on certain low tides. However, the site is off limits to divers due to the risk of unexploded ordnance in the area.
An United States Coast Guard conducted an overflight of the 183 meter long, 12250 dwt car carrier Morning Midas (IMO: 9289910). The car carrier is now approximately 260 miles southwest of Adak. The car carrier shows extensive fire and heat damage to the entire vessel. Smoke can still be seen coming from the car decks below.
Photo: USCG
The salvage tug Gretchen Dunlap was reported to be on scene with salvage personnel. Reports state they have started a full assessment of the vessel. Two more salvage vessels are scheduled to arrive on scene within the next two weeks.
Photo: USCG
The Coast Guard is closely monitoring weather conditions. They report that conditions were 45-50 knot winds and 6-foot seas.
Photo: USCG
June 7 Update
The 183 meter long, 12250 dwt car carrier Morning Midas (IMO: 9289910) continues to be on fire and adrift in the North Pacific Ocean south of Adak, Alaska. The fire has consumed multiple car decks and hull damage is now clearly visible. The stern of the Morning Midas is now sitting lower in the water and a sheen of oil pollution can be seen following the vessel.
The owners had requested a tugboat with fire fighting capabilities but the vessel wont arrived on site until June 9. The United States Coast Guard continues to do aerial monitoring of the Morning Midas. Reports state the car carrier may be lost before the tugboat arrives. If the fire intensity continues for a few more days, the car carrier’s hull integrity might just fail and the Morning Midas would sink.
