The Tara Lynn II, a 50-foot fishing boat, was severely damaged during a fierce storm along Maine’s coast, causing it to run aground at Trundy Point. The vessel’s fiberglass hull shattered, leading to the spillage of its engine, 500 gallons of diesel fuel, and 5,000 pounds of fish onto the coastline. Fortunately, the Cape Elizabeth Fire Department successfully rescued all four crew members, who remained unharmed.
The salvage and cleanup process is now in progress, overseen by Parker Poole and Determination Marine, hired by the boat’s insurance company. The operation involves addressing logistical and environmental concerns while adhering to maritime salvage laws. Poole, who was the first to respond to the ship’s distress call, worked with the Coast Guard and the Cape Elizabeth Fire Department to ensure the crew’s safe rescue.
The cleanup plan, which requires approval from various authorities, includes removing loose items from the wreck and addressing potential environmental risks. The boat’s location below the high tide mark poses challenges, necessitating the use of large excavators to dismantle the vessel on-site.
The salvage operation aims to minimize danger to workers and must be completed between tides before the next storm arrives. Maritime salvage laws govern the handling of valuable items recovered from the wreck.
The Cape Elizabeth shoreline has witnessed several shipwrecks throughout history, underscoring the challenges of navigating its waters.
