F/V Chovie Clipper; Catalina Island, CA

Catalina Island, CA | 2006-Jan-23

Initial Notification: CFV CHOVIE CLIPPER -- CAPSIZED/SUNK/ABANDON SHIP- 5NM NE OF LONG PT, CATALINA ISLAND: Sector Los Angeles -- Long Beach received a call on 23JAN from the owner of F/V CHOVIE CLIPPER, DOC# 524626, a 67 ft steel hull purse seiner. Owner stated the vessel had capsized and sank approximately 5 NM off Long Point, Catalina Island. Vessel crew had abandoned ship into their lifeboat and made their way to Camp Fox, a YMCA campground on the beach just east of Long Point. Initial reports indicated the vessel sunk due to heavy weather, however, an overflight revealed that the vessel was still adrift. This first light overflight revealed the vessel, but no further debris or visible pollution. Crew was flown from Catalina Island to Long Beach where interviews and medical testing was conducted. Preliminary reports indicate that vessel took water over port side and capsized. Vessel had approximately 1000 gallons of fuel and 15 tons of squid on board. Later reports by Baywatch Isthmus revealed a release coming from the vessel. Insurers have been notified and are taking responsibility for this case. An overflight with a Coast Guard rider will take place at first light on 24JAN. Confirmed upon an early morning flight with a Pollution Investigator on board, the vessel has drifted onto Blue Cavern Point just north of Isthmus (Catalina Island). There is no recoverable oil at this time, and the responsible party is working with a contractor to put together a dive/salvage plan. Update: Insurance company has now hired NRC to complete clean up operations. NRC will present a complete salvage plan on 26JAN.