OR&R Supports Coast Guard Salvage of Historic Fishing Vessel in Maine

SEPT. 16, 2024 — U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Sector Northern New England recently completed a salvage operation of a historic sardine fishing vessel that sank in Maine during a January 2024 nor'easter. William Whitmore, the NOAA Scientific Support Coordinator for Sector Northern New England provided guidance to the USCG during the response and salvage efforts.

Response vessels assist a wrecked fishing vessel.
Salvage crews dewater the wrecked 83-foot fishing vessel Jacob Pike on August 7, 2024, in Harpswell, Maine. The Jacob Pike sank in the New Meadows River following a winter storm on January 10, 2024. Image credit: USCG.

The F/V Jacob Pike, an inactive 83-foot wooden fishing boat, sank in shallow waters near Harpswell, Maine. Initially, boom was placed around the vessel and fuel and other hazardous materials were removed by the USCG. Despite those efforts, the uninsured vessel continued to sheen. As a result, the USCG made the decision to salvage the vessel, which is an action that doesn’t take place often. The vessel was successfully salvaged and transported to South Portland.

Last updated Friday, September 20, 2024 1:24pm PDT