Blog Post


Coast Guard Responds to Mayday Call, Rescues Five

Posted by: James M. Beard
August 11, 2009
Topic: Vessel Crashes & Collisions

The Coast Guard reported that it received a mayday call from the 59 foot fishing vessel the PATTY J approximately 4:30 a.m. Saturday morning. The PATTY J, a 59 foot fishing vessel began taking on water approximately 26 miles Southwest of Juneau in Square Cove. The Coast Guard launched a MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter and a response boat.

A fishing vessel nearby responded to the sinking vessel as the result of an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast issued immediately after the mayday call by the Juneau sector. The five crew members were rescued by the good Samaritan fishing vessel and reported no injuries.

The vessel was carrying 400 - 500 gallons of diesel fuel and a 300 x 20 foot sheen was reported by an MH-60 rescue helicopter from Sitka that conducted an overflight. Personnel from the Oil Spill Response Organization is expected to arrive to assess the situation.

It has been reported that the vessel is currently grounded in Square Cove. At this point the cause of the grounding is unknown but the Coast Guard is investigating. The PATTY J is homeported in Anacortes, Washington and was enroute from Auke Bay to Excursion Inlet.

The maritime lawyers at BSTJ, LLP represent injured mariners throughout the nation in claims involving the Jones Act and General Maritime Law. For any questions regarding maritime law or injuries sustained while working aboard a vessel, contact us at 206.282.3100 or visit our website at www.atsealawyer.com.