MV Lorine; S of St. Johns Is, Virgin Islands

S of St. Johns Is, Virgin Islands | 2002-Feb-02

Initial Notification: Received notification on 1 FEB 02 from GANTSEC OPCEN that the M/V LORINE had a main space fire as a result of an explosion in the engine room. All 4 POB were recovered by the C/S Crystal Harmony with no reported injuries. Vessel remained adrift and burning. Over flight on 02 FEB found vessel still smoldering and 14 NM E of Vieques Island. Vessel owner hired Chanti Towing from Tortola, BVI to tow vessel back to homeport. The M/V Lorine was taken in tow at 1400 02 FEB 02, at 1925 the vessel re-ignited and shortly after lost stability and sank in Position 18 16 N 064 33 W. On 03 Feb 02 an over flight found a sheen of approximately 1/4 mile wide by 5 miles long near Dog Island USVI, no shore side impact is expected; product not recoverable.