FV Sherry Ann; Martha's Vineyard, MA

Martha's Vineyard, MA | 2012-Jul-11

Initial Notification: 45 foot aluminium hull vessel grounded on Squibnocket Beach (SE facing side) overnight. The vessel is carrying 800 gallons of diesel fuel (no release). The owner attempted to haul the vessel off the beach prior to high tide, resulting in a breach of the hull. Coast Guard is on scene along with a professional salvage company with hopes of refloating the vessel on the high tide. If that is not possible, a more complex salvage plan will be required. Access is difficult and the area is important to two endangered species, the piping plover (currently with chicks) and the northeastern beach tiger beetle. This is critical habitat for the beetle in particular. USFWS and MA Div. of Fisheries and Wildlife experts have been engaged.