Bahamian Flag Tanker Collides with Maine-based Trawler in Atlantic Ocean

Published Oct 12, 2006 12:01 AM by The Maritime Executive

A 108-foot fishing vessel collided on October 4th with the tanker ERIK SPIRIT about 20 miles southeast of Portland, Maine. The tanker was proceeding outbound after discharging its cargo of crude oil in Portland. The U.S. Coast Guard reported last Thursday that there was one injury on the fishing trawler Sunlight. The damaged trawler, which reportedly received extensive damage in way of its bow section, was escorted under its own power back into port by a Coast guard vessel. The extent of damages to the 819 foot, 115,000 DWT tanker is still not known.

According to accounts from crewmembers, the trawler hit the tanker amidships, despite efforts by the tanker to hail the smaller vessel via VHF radio. It was unclear as to whether the trawler ever heard the tanker’s calls. Weather conditions at the time of the collision were reported as having two to three miles in visibility, with rain in four to five foot seas.

The ERIK SPIRIT is operated by Teekay Shipping and is registered in Nassau, Bahamas. The vessel was built in 2005. No pollution as a result of the collision was reported. The Coast Guard reported that the tanker’s operator had offered to fill out a report, but that this was not mandatory because the collision occurred in International waters. Additionally, the tanker's command stopped their vessel offer assistance and did not depart the scene until being released by the Coast Guard. Reportedly, the ERIK SPIRIT is continuing its intended voyage on to Russia.

Coast Guard officials provided few other details about the incident, which is still under investigation.