Trawler Down!
In the coastal town of Cape Elizabeth, Maine, a fishing trawler recently found itself in the midst of a harrowing incident during a powerful weekend storm. The Tara Lynn II, a vessel that became the focal point of this gripping tale, tragically collided with rocks near Trundy Point, just south of the iconic Portland Head Light. This dramatic episode unfolded amidst ferocious winds gusting up to 50 mph and waves that surged to heights of 6 feet.
Facing Nature’s Fury
Confronted by these formidable natural forces, the Cape Elizabeth Fire and Rescue Department’s Water Extrication Team embarked on a courageous mission. The trawler’s precarious position close to the shoreline rendered conventional boats ineffective for reaching it. The team devised an ingenious solution – an inflatable boat that enabled multiple trips to safely retrieve the four crew members.
Awaiting Demolition
As of today, the Tara Lynn II remains stranded approximately 300 feet offshore in Cape Elizabeth. The upcoming challenges involve a lengthy process of demolition and removal, a complex task that will unfold over several days. Overseeing this demanding operation is Parker Poole, the owner of Determination Marine, a reputable towing and salvage company.
A Voyage Gone Awry
The unfortunate turn of events occurred as the fishing vessel was en route to Portland Harbor, seeking refuge from an approaching coastal storm. However, it ventured perilously close to the shore, resulting in a catastrophic collision with the unyielding rocks.
Perilous Night at Sea
Parker Poole, who swiftly responded to the mayday call at 12:30 a.m. on that fateful Saturday, recounted that under ordinary circumstances, both the crew and the trawler could have safely navigated during high tide. Regrettably, the combination of treacherous surf and fierce winds created an exceptionally hazardous scenario, complicating the rescue efforts.
A Distant Guardian’s Relief
Frustratingly, Poole couldn’t bring his tug boat near enough to provide direct assistance. Instead, he observed the rescue operation from a distance. Reflecting on the outcome, he expressed profound relief, noting, “It had a good ending. We were very lucky that the (rescue) team was able to get them off the boat.”
Irreparable Damage and Environmental Concerns
Tragically, the Tara Lynn II sustained catastrophic damage in the incident. Additionally, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection will be involved in addressing any environmental concerns arising from the wreck.
This gripping story of courage, tragedy, and resilience unfolds against the backdrop of Cape Elizabeth’s dramatic coastal landscape, leaving a lasting impression of the power of nature and the indomitable spirit of those who brave its challenges.
This article was reimagined from: https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/trawler-that-crashed-on-rocks-off-of-maine-coast-during-weekend-storm-will-be-demolished/ar-AA1n8c0m
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