The following is the text of a press release issued by the U.S. Coast Guard:
(BOSTON) — U.S. Coast Guard rescue crews aided three mariners from a fishing vessel taking on water after a collision southeast of Hull, Mass., Jan. 11, 2011.
U.S. Coast Guard Sector Boston watchstanders received a distress call via VHF 16 radio from the vessel West Bay, a 600-foot bulk carrier, stating they and the vessel Michael Brandon, a 51-foot fishing vessel, collided 20-miles southeast of Hull at approximately 5 p.m. The West Bay reported no damage to its hull, but the Michael Brandon had extensive damage to the bow.
Watchstanders immediately issued an urgent marine broadcast alerting mariners in the area of the situation.
A Coast Guard HH-60 Jayhawk rescue helicopter crew, from Air Station Cape Cod, and a 47-foot Motor Life Boat crew, from Station Point Allerton, diverted to the scene of the collision.
The helicopter crew, on scene within 30 minutes, lowered a de-watering pump to the fishing vessel to assist with flooding control. Unable to dewater and repair the vessel offshore, the lifeboat crew took the Michael Brandon in tow.
The three mariners and the vessel is in safe harbor near Scituate, Mass.
The cause of the collision is under investigation.
