Maritime Accident News

Scituate Fishing Boat Accident Leaves at Least One Injured

A Scituate fishing boat accident involving two vessels leaves at least one person injured after the two boats collide near the pier in Scituate. The incident took place late Tuesday afternoon, January 11, 2011.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, a 51-foot commercial fishing boat collided with the 600-foot freighter West Bay. The commercial vessel Michael Brandon sustained heavy bow damage as a result of the collision.

Three fishermen from the Michael Brandon, including the vessel’s owner and skipper, Thomas Bell, had to be rescued by helicopter as the fishing boat sank to the bottom. Rescue crews transported Mr. Bell to a local hospital where he was treated for a leg injury. He was later released. It was unclear as to whether anyone else was injured in the boating accident.

Coast Guard officials indicate that the cause of the fishing boat accident has yet to be determined, but it appears that the fishing vessel drove bow-first into the side of the freighter.

“Because of the extent of the damage, she went to the bottom,” Scituate Harbormaster Mark Patterson said.

The Scituate fishing boat accident is still under investigation by local authorities. The West Bay, which was headed to the Bahamas when the incident occurred, was brought to the Boston area as part of that investigation.

Read More About Scituate Fishing Boat Accident Leaves at Least One Injured...

back to top