Northern Voyager; Gloucester, MA

Gloucester, MA | 1997-Nov-03

Initial Notification: On the morning of 11/2/97, the 144 foot fishing vessel NORTHERN VOYAGER, radioed the US Coast Guard that it was taking on water and sinking, 3.5 miles east Gloucester, MA. The USCG responded with rescue units and retreived the crew. In addition, the USCG placed damage control teams aboard in an attempt to control the flooding. This action was in vain and the vessel sank in 150-250 feet of water. She was carrying an estimated 10,000 gallons of diesel fuel, 200 gallons of lube oil and 400,000 pounds of herring. At the time of the sinking the weather was harsh with heavy seas and winds over 15 knots. - - Upon sinking, a USCG overflight observed a broken sheen extending northwesterly for approximately one mile at approximately 500 yards wide. - - The NOAA SSC was notified of the spill directly by the MSO Boston. After consulting with the weather service, SHIO and ADIOS, it was determined that land impacts of any significant amount were unlikely. In addition, it was agreed that any attempt at protection strategies would prove pointless, given the heavy surf. The FOSC considered sending divers to close the vents. It was agreed that, if the vessel was in 200+ feet of water, such an operation would be unnecessarily risky to the divers. - - On the morning (11/3/97) overflight, no sheen was sighted. The vessel's owner had determined the depth of the vessel at 140 feet and had decided to send hard-hat divers to begin salvage operations.While the divers are on-station, they will close the vents to prevent any further release. The diving operation will begin Tuesday (11/4/97), weather permitting. USCG will monitor for oil releases at that time. - - The vessel sank less than one mile north of the Stellwagon Bank National Marine Sanctuary and some twelve miles east of the Plum Island USFWS Reserve. USCG district 1.