Tag Archives: commercial fishing vessel
Athearn Marine Agency Boat of the Week: 42′ Novi Dragger/Scalloper, 871Detroit w/ Mass CAP Permit
To review specifications, information, with 16 photos, >click here<. To see all the boats in this series >click here< 06:01
Fishing tug sinks at Howdenvale dock
Another tugboat has sunk while tied up at a government dock on the Lake Huron side of the Bruce Peninsula, most recently earlier this month at Howdenvale. The Canadian Coast Guard said Friday in an emailed response to questions that it received a report on March 10 that “Keep the Change,” a 30-foot fishing tug, was sinking at the harbour and diesel was released into the water. The vessel owner and Chippewas of Nawash Fisheries Assessment Program staff deployed an absorbent boom and pads. The Coast Guard also deployed a containment boom around the vessel to limit the spread of pollution, the email said. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 10:40
Good Samaritan Vessel Rescues 19 Fishermen After Vessel Fire off Chile
19 fishermen have been rescued from a raft in the South Pacific after their vessel caught fire and sank. The Galician longliner F/V Pico Tresmares got under way from Vacamonte, Chile on February 23, bound for sea. On the morning of March 17, the vessel sustained an engine room fire at a position about 1,000 miles off the coast of La Serena, Chile. A nearby fishing vessel, the F/V Playa Muino Vello, reported the fire to shipowner Pesquera Guadalquivir. The alert was passed to Spanish SAR authorities in Madrid. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 07:12
Athearn Marine Agency Boat of the Week: 38′ Calvin Beal Lobster Boat, 476HP Cat C9 Diesel
To review specifications, information, with 14 photos, >click here<. To see all the boats in this series >click here< 05:53
Athearn Marine Agency Boat of the Week: 54’x17′ Fiberglass Dragger, 451HP Cummins X15 Diesel
To review specifications, information, with 21 photos, >click here<. To see all the boats in this series >click here< 06:15
Bermagui loses part of its fishing history with loss of fishing vessel Volition
When the fishing vessel F/V Volition broke up on the night of 27 February after running aground very early that day, Bermagui lost a piece of its history. As the closest port on the mainland to the continental shelf, fishing was central to Bermagui’s development and economy during the 20th century. Rocky Lagana, CEO of the Bermagui Fishermen’s Co-operative, said the boat had been working in the tuna longline industry from Bermagui for the past 20 years. According to the Bermagui Historical Society, Volition was built in Adelaide in 1972 by Tony Franov. The first owner, Mario Basile of Ulladulla, named it Angelica. Third-generation Bermagui commercial fisher Michael Jubb knows a fair bit about Volition’s history. Photos, more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 18:17
Body caught in fishing nets off Mass. coast appears to be woman buried at sea
Authorities have released new details on the wrapped body that was caught by fishermen off the coast of Massachusetts last week. The person’s death is not considered suspicious, the Suffolk District Attorney’s Office said Monday, and appears to be consistent with having been buried at sea. The person was a woman in her 60s who had cancerous tumors. She is not likely to be identified but there were no indications of foul play, prosecutors said. Video, more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 20:48
Wrapped, decomposed body pulled out of nets by fishermen off Boston coast
Early Friday morning a fishing vessel that wanted to remain unnamed pull a wrapped, decomposed body out of their fishing nets approximately 40 miles offshore of Boston. The body was wrapped in a blue tarp and the body itself- severely decomposed – was bound around the torso with white rope keeping the arms to the person’s side. “The body, which was wrapped and in a state of decomposition, is now with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for autopsy purposes,” said the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office who is investigating alongside the Coast Guard. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 10:59
Classic boat review: Atlas CN 258
When John Watt took over premises in Macduff and changed the firm’s name to Macduff Boatbuilding and Engineering Company in 1966 to enable 80ft vessels to be built, he probably didn’t realise that smaller boats were, for some years, going to be his bread and butter. One of these was the Atlas, built for William (Billy) West and partners of Macduff in 1973. This was to be a replacement for Ocean Crest BF 116, which they then sold after the new boat was launched. First registered as BF 182, her original engine was a Caterpillar 240hp. At just under 50ft registered length, she stayed within the 25GRT regulations. She paired-trawled with the red- painted Helenus UL 33 for many years. Sometime in the 1980s they replaced the whaleback with a full shelterdeck, covering her in entirely. Excellent photos, more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 15:41
Bermagui boat wreck salvage ‘complex’, clean-up likely to take weeks
The fallout from fishing vessel F/V Volition running aground at Bermagui’s Dickinson Point will likely continue for some time. Bermagui’s main beach in town, Horseshoe Bay, was closed when the boat ran aground in the early hours of 27 February (Thursday) due to pollution concerns. There is debris in the ocean and washed up on beaches as far north as near Camel Rock, and people reported the strong smell of diesel. Horseshoe Bay beach reopened to the public at 2:15 pm on 4 March (Tuesday). Marine Rescue and NSW Water Police responded to the mayday call issued from the vessel. All four men on board made it safely back to shore. They are said to be shocked and devastated. Photos, more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 10:38
Athearn Marine Agency Boat of the Week: 73’X 20′ Steel Stern Trawler w/Federal & State Permits
To review specifications, information, with 45 photos, >click here<. To see all the boats in this series >click here< o6:38
Debris and diesel spill from Bermagui shipwreck prompt beach closures
Beaches at a popular New South Wales Far South Coast tourist town have become littered with debris after a commercial fishing vessel ran aground this week. The 19-metre-long fishing longliner washed onto the rocks near the Bermagui Headland around 5am on Thursday morning. Wallaga Lake resident Deborah O’Connell said debris was scattered across the region’s beaches after a “big swell” overnight left the boat “completely broken up”. The four people aboard the timber longliner made their way to shore by clambering over nearby rocks and wading through water after the collision. Photos, more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 13:06
Athearn Marine Agency Boat of the Week: 50’x18′ Dixon Lobster/Scalloper, John Deere Diesel, Permits available
To review specifications, information, with 2 photos, >click here<. To see all the boats in this series >click here< 06:18
Large fishing boat overturns and leaks near Bella Bella; fishermen rescued
A 58-foot fishing vessel, the Western Gambler, has run aground near Napier Point, about three kilometres south of Bella Bella. Early in the morning on Feb. 19, the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) received a report that a craft was taking on water and tilting to one side. The Bella Bella lifeboat station crew responded quickly to help with the situation. “The CCGS Cape Farewell and our Bella Bella Fast Rescue Craft arrived on-scene and rescued the four fishermen onboard,” said the Canadian Coast Guard on behalf of the Unified Command group formed to respond to this incident The Unified Command group is a consortium of local and federal agencies including the CCG and DFO. No human injuries have been reported. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 10:46
Athearn Marine Agency Boat of the Week: 44′ 6″ Mussel Ridge Lobster/ Tuna,750HP – John Deere Diesel, Video
To review specifications, information, with 10 photos, >click here<. To see all the boats in this series >click here<06:30
NTSB: Hydraulic Leak Caused Loss of Fishing Vessel Off Maine
The fire that destroyed the fishing vessel F/V Three Girls off the coast of Maine in 2024 was likely caused by a spray of hydraulic oil, according to an investigation by the NTSB. The crew all abandoned ship and survived, in no small part because of timely and creative action by the vessel’s master. On August 11, the F/V Three Girls was under way in the Gulf of Maine on a routine trip and had five crewmembers and a fishery observer aboard. At about 2050 hours, the crew was hauling in nets and running all hydraulic systems at full power when the captain smelled something burning. He checked the engine room and encountered thick smoke – so thick that he could not clearly see where the fire was coming from. He determined that the blaze was too serious to fight, and he ordered the crew to prepare to abandon ship. Photos, more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 06:27
A Life Remembered: Captain John Allen Baker,1955 2025
I
t is with broken hearts that we share the passing of our precious brother, Captain John Allen Baker, age 69 who lost his life at sea February 7, 2025. John was born December 9, 1955, in Canso, Nova Scotia to Calvin Howard Baker and Virginia Margaret O’Hearn. Having no biological children, we wish to acknowledge his commitment to his stepchildren, step-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He loved them all, would wrap them in a wonderful hug and generously shared all his resources (including free fish) with them. John’s career and entire life was devoted to the Commercial Offshore Fishery. There is so much more about John that most will never know. He shared his talents, knowledge and passion with anyone who was interested and mentored many fishermen during his life. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 10:05
Athearn Marine Agency Boat of the Week: 32′ Mitchell Cove Lobster Boat, 500HP John Deere Diesel
To review specifications, information, with 10 photos, >click here<. To see all the boats in this series >click here< 06:20
Halifax fisherman remembered after boat capsized
A Halifax fisherman is being remembered as one of the good ones. Phil Macinnis was one of the two men who died after the Fortune Pride capsized Friday off Sambro. In a show of support, a GoFundMe campaign has raised thousands of dollars to help his family. On the fundraiser’s page, organizer and best friend Brad Sullivan writes, “one of the hardest things in our fishing industry is losing good men to the sea.” more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 11:38
‘He was a legend, one of the best’: North Atlantic claims two N.S. fishermen
On Thursday evening, Jerome Wilson got a call from the sea. It was his friend, Capt. John Baker. The Fortune Pride had a full load of silver hake aboard and was steaming for Riverport. “He hadn’t been in Riverport for a while, so he was going to wait until morning and steam up the river in the light,” remembered Wilson, who does mechanical work on fishing boats. “Wanted me to meet him there, check a few things over. He was happy. There was no indication he expected trouble.” “I’ve never felt a pain like this in my life,” said Rejeanne Hollett on Sunday, who went from planning her wedding to crewman Phil MacInnis on Thursday morning to planning his funeral that evening. “I would give anything to have him back. Anything.” more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 10:19
Athearn Marine Agency Boat of the Week: 65′ Gladding & Hearn Steel Lobster Boat, Cummins 855
To review specifications, information, with 24 photos, >click here<. To see all the boats in this series >click here< 06:35
Athearn Marine Agency Boat of the Week: 49’x16′ Scalloper/Dragger, Cat 3406 B, NGOM Permit
To review specifications, information, with 17 photos’, >click here<. To see all the boats in this series >click here< 06:27
Electric-powered fishing vessel roadshow
Hans Unkles, who fitted out his fully electric-powered Cygnus 21 Lorna Jane, which he operates out of the small West Highland port of Tayvallich, has received support from The Fishmonger’s Company that will allow him to share his experiences with working fishermen around the UK coastline. As the first vessel of its kind in the UK, the project generated a huge amount of work for Hans when dealing with funders, suppliers and in particular the MCA, which had little previous experience with electric fishing boats and, in Hans’ words, ‘often didn’t quite know how to deal with queries I had’. Hans has several dates and venues agreed, but is available to add presentations, and is more than happy to be contacted by fishermen or associations wanting him to visit their port. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 08:35
Leonilda – Argentina’s Veraz Group welcomes new coastal trawler to fleet
Argentine shipbuilder Astillero Naval Federico Contessi Cia recently completed construction on a new coastal trawler ordered by local fishing company the Veraz Group. The newbuild has been named F/V Leonilda after the late Leonilda Novelli de Contessi, wife of company founder Federico Contessi. Construction of the vessel was completed in compliance with RINA class rules. Leonilda boasts steel/aluminum construction, a length of 20.95 metres (68.73 feet), a molded beam of 7.5 metres (25 feet), a draught of 3.3 metres (11 feet), and advanced navigation, manoeuvring and processing technologies to enable it to meet the highest standards of safety and operational efficiency. The vessel is a variant of an earlier Contessi-built shrimp trawler. Photos, Specifications, more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 11:10
Fishing vessel pulled free from rocks, Coast Guard begins investigation
Unalaska’s U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit is investigating a fishing vessel that ran aground near Iliuliuk Bay. The F/V Northern Endurance was partially beached about three miles from downtown Unalaska, near Little Priest Rock on Thursday and was pulled free by the emergency response and salvage company Resolve Marine Friday morning around 9 a.m., according to Commanding Officer Lt. Lawrence Schalles.The City of Unalaska Fire Department initially responded to the incident Thursday afternoon, before handing operations over to the local Coast Guard team. “The on-scene commander contacted the vessel captain and confirmed there were no injuries to crew members aboard, as well as no additional hazardous conditions,” the Fire Department said in a statement. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 06:06
Fishing vessel runs aground near Unalaska’s landfill, no injuries reported
Unalaska’s U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit is responding to a distressed vessel near the island’s landfill. The F/V Northern Endurance ran aground near Iliuliuk Bay along Summer Bay Road sometime Thursday morning. The Unalaska Fire Department responded to the incident around noon. “The on-scene commander contacted the vessel captain and confirmed there were no injuries to crew members aboard, as well as no additional hazardous conditions,” the Fire Department said in a statement. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 09:25
Athearn Marine Agency Boat of the Week: 50′ Steel Scalloper/Longliner, 500HP Iveco C13 Diesel
To review specifications, information, with 17 photos’, >click here<. To see all the boats in this series >click here< 06:30
Athearn Marine Agency Boat of the Week: 45′ Peter Kass Lobster Boat, 700HP CAT C-18
To review specifications, information, and 16 photos’, >click here<. To see all the boats in this series >click here< 06:03
Electric lobster boat nears launch by Indigenous fishery in Cape Breton
Sydney, Nova Scotia is the province’s northernmost port, situated on the rocky shores of eastern Cape Breton Island. The Membertou First Nation, located in Sydney, operates a licensed fishery. Now, it is on the cusp of a technology breakthrough. The First Nation is leading the development and build-out of an all-electric lobster fishing vessel, Lektrike’l Walipotl. Membertou partnered with Allswater, ship designers in Bedford, N.S.; Halifax-based vessel-to-grid company, BlueGrid Energy; and Oceans North Conservation Society in Ottawa to develop the electric lobster fishing vessel. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 08:59
Iceland: Evacuated a fish processing plant due to torpedo bomb
The Akureyri Fishing Company’s fish processing plant was evacuated shortly after noon today due to a torpedo bomb that entered the fishing gear of the trawler Björg EA. The bomb landed in the last part of the fishing trip. Björg EA arrived in Akureyri this morning, according to a post on the Samherji website. It is reported that the bomb is in bad condition and the crew initially thought it was an old iron barrel. Upon closer inspection, however, the object turned out to be a torpedo bomb. “Contact was made with the Coast Guard’s bomb experts and they are expected north this afternoon. It was decided to evacuate the area to a radius of one hundred meters from the pier, so processing was stopped today to ensure maximum safety.” more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 08:10
