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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.

Nora

Nora

Nora
Photo: Suquamish Police Department
On October 27, reports state the fishing vessel Nora ran aground in Miller Bay near Indianola, Washington. The Nora had been at anchor when it broke free of its anchor and went ashore. The vessel had some 2,000 to 3,000 gallons of fuel and petroleum products on board the vessel when it grounded. Authorities from multiple state and federal agencies responded to the scene. Local authorities were able to secure the vessel with stern anchor lines to prevent the Nora from drifting further ashore or damage nearby seawalls.  A salvage company was hired to remove the fuel and oil products. Officials will monitor for any pollution releases. There were no reports of individuals on board the Nora and no injuries from the incident.
News accounts state the Nora as a derelict and authorities were determining the owner of the fishing vessel. It was not clear when the Nora would be removed off the shoreline and if the vessel would be salvaged or just scrapped.
Captain Raleigh

Captain Raleigh

Captain Raleigh
Photo: vesselfinder.com

On the morning of May 9, the 68 foot long, 112 gt fishing vessel Captain Raleigh (IMO: 7937575) sank in Grays Harbor off Westport, Washington. The Captain Raleigh contacted the United States Coast Guard that the fishing vessel had sprung a leak and requested assistance.  The Coast Guard launched a search and rescue to the site and rescued 3 of the 4 crew members.  Reports state the Captain Raleigh continued to flood until it had capsized and later sank.  One crew member was reported missing.

The Coast Guard conducted a search for the crew member with aircraft from Astoria searching the area while divers searched the sunken vessel.  The Coast Guard called off the search the following morning without finding the missing crew member.  Washington State authorities have also deployed a response team to manage the pollution. Oil pollution was spotted where the Captain Raleigh sank from diesel fuel leaking out. Due to strong currents and the search operation, no booms were deployed to contain the spill.  Authorities state there were no traces of pollution along the shoreline .

Captain Raleigh
Photo: x.com/uscg

No further details reported. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.