SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine — Salvage operations are continuing Wednesday in connection with a fishing vessel that partially sank near Thunder Hole in Acadia National Park Tuesday.
A Coast Guard environmental response team, along with Maine Department of Environmental Protection and National Park Service officials were able to get the RV Tiger Shark to land despite 6- to 8-foot seas and 15-20 knot winds, according to a statement from the Coast Guard.
Officials were able to safely remove fuel and batteries from the vessel, according to the statement, along with diesel fuel.
“Our highest priorities in this response are the safety of the public and the responders, and the protection of the environment,” Commander Troy Vest of the Coast Guard Sector Northern New England said. “The safe removal of the fuel and the batteries was a critical step in mitigating the risk to the environment, and it took place just in time, with weather conditions worsening.”
The vessel suffered significant damage due to overnight weather conditions, and salvage operations from the sea are unlikely, according to the Coast Guard.
“We continue to focus our efforts with the safety of the public and responders at the forefront,” said Vest “We are evaluating the situation and working with our partners and the responsible party to develop a safe and practical salvage plan.
The Tiger Shark, a recreational fishing boat, was abandoned by its captain after it started taking on water, and it subsequently came to rest on rocks near Thunder Hole in Acadia National Park during low tide Tuesday.
The captain, who was the only person on board, was not identified.
Weather delays are possible during Wednesday’s salvage efforts, and the Coast Guard is investigating the matter further.
