F/V Miss Dottie; Offshore Marathon Key, FL

Offshore Marathon Key, FL | 2004-Dec-08

Initial Notification: On December 8, 2004 (AT approximately 7:00am), the 72-foot steel fishing vessel Miss Dottie caught fire and was abandoned offshore of Marathon Key, FL. The vessel had 8000 gallons of diesel fuel and 200 gallons of lube oil on board. The vessel's position at 1400 was reported to be N24 deg 35.1min, W80deg 48.7min, which is 5.7 mi. outside of the FKNMS boundary. After consultation with Sanctuaries about resource concerns, and NOAA HAZMAT regarding potential drift trajectory, the USCG proposed sinking the vessel before it drifted into Sanctuary waters. That evening at 9:15 pm the vessel sank at position N24deg 47.5min, W80deg 33.6min (approximately 2.2 miles from the FLKNMS boundary) in 370 feet of water. USCG cutter Drummond had been dousing the smoldering vessel with water to extinguish the fire to allow for the attachment of tow lines so the vessel could be towed further offshore and sunk, but the vessel sank on its own before the towing could be accomplished. At the time of sinking, no report was made of observed oil on the water, however since it was dark, it was difficult to assess. At dawn the next day an overflight reported no sighting of pollution. Information sources: NOAA hotlines and Chief Donald Whittle, CG station Key West.