Missing Safety Gear Cuts Vessel's Voyage Short
A boarding team found the crew of the Still Mis Behavin did not have the required number of fire extinguishers or safety flares, the life raft was not mounted in the proper location, and the emergency position indicating radio beacon had expired.
The U.S. Coast Guard said that a boarding team from the Cutter Seneca terminated the voyage of a fishing vessel on Sunday, Dec. 18, because of safety concerns. The 45-foot Still Mis Behavin was about 13 miles southeast of Portland, Maine, at the time.
A boarding team from the Seneca -- described as a 270-foot medium endurance cutter homeported in Boston -- saw there was inadequate safety gear aboard the smaller vessel. The crew did not have the required number of fire extinguishers or safety flares, the life raft was not mounted in the proper location, and the vessel's emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) had expired.
"Especially in the unforgiving winter maritime environment, it is vitally important that all mariners are equipped with the basic lifesaving gear that will allow them to save themselves in an emergency, or at a minimum buy some time until lifesavers can arrive on scene to help," said Cmdr. Charles Fosse. "Seneca's crew is committed to verifying compliance with all safety regulations during our routing boardings to ensure our fellow mariners are safe on the water."
The Still Mis Behavin was escorted to Harpswell, Maine, by Seneca and Coast Guard Station South Portland crews.