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Capt Lou's Nautical News 7/18/10
Posted on: Mon 19-Jul-2010
| | FIRE DESTROYS MENEMSHA COAST GUARD'S BOATHOUSE
Fire at a boathouse and pier at the Coast Guard Station in Menemsha on Martha's Vineyard destroyed several private boats, but no Coast Guard boats. The local harbormaster said at least 10 privately owned boats suffered heavy damage from fire while several others were damaged by smoke. At least one boat sank into the harbor. Miraculously, there were no serious injuries. The Coast Guard has 22 crew members stationed at Menemsha, but their base is separate from the boat house and it received no damage. The state's fire marshal said an investigation into the fire is now underway.
ANOTHER GREAT WHITE SHARK SPOTTED OFF MASSACHUSETTS
A 15-foot great white shark was spotted chasing seals into shallow water south of Nauset Beach near Chatham on Cape Cod. This is the third reported sighting of a great white shark in Massachusetts waters. Beachgoers and paddlers are warned to stay away from seals because that's what the sharks like to eat. A spotter plane pilot saw the shark chase seals into breaking surf, trap them against the shore, and then attack them. Experts say great whites are showing up here more frequently because of the large increase in the seal population.
SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND LOBSTERMEN PROTEST 5 YEAR MORATORIUM
Lobstermen in southern New England packed a hearing in Connecticut telling officials to leave them alone. They protested a proposed five year ban on lobstering claiming they all would be put out of business. Officials emphasized that the moratorium was not the only option on the table, but lobstermen and commercial fishermen spoke as if it were already decided. Another meeting is scheduled this week in Warwick, Rhode Island.
ISLAND USED FOR BOMB TESTING TO BECOME BIRD SANCTUARY
Three miles south of Martha's Vineyard lies Nomans Island, an island of dense brush, rocky beaches, lots of birds, and like its name implies no humans. Sort of ironic because the island's name supposedly comes from one of its owner's surnames, Nomans. No one has lived there for nearly 60 years, and the government has actually banned the public from its 628 acres. The government's reason is that there are too many unexploded bombs remaining on the island after tons of bombs were tested there by the U.S. Navy since WWII. However, Fish and Wildlife agents continue to walk the island and are now proposing it to be a bird sanctuary forever. Native Americans claim the island is a part of their heritage and are asking the government to allow them limited access.
SUPERTANKER OIL SKIMMER SENT HOME
After all the "hoopla" about the supertanker called "A Whale," which was supposed to suck up millions of gallons of oil a day in the Gulf of Mexico, the Coast Guard is sending the ship back home to Portugal because it is too big and the amount of oil recovered by the ship was negligible. Smaller vessels that could maneuver in crowded areas were far more effective. National Incident Commander Admiral Thad Allen said there now 593 skimmers working the clean up and more than a total 6,800 vessels on site, including tugs, barges, and containment vessels. Latest report claims that 33 million gallons of an oil-water mix have been recovered and 387 controlled burns have been conducted, efficiently removing an additional 11 million gallons of oil from the open water.
CREWMATE ABOARD PHILLY DUCKBOAT PLEADS THE FIFTH
A crew member aboard the tugboat that ran over the Philadelphia duck tour boat throwing 37 people into the water, killing two of them, is refusing to talk to federal investigators. The National Transportation and Safety Board said the mate "exercised his Fifth Amendment right and refused to meet with investigators." The NTSB also said review of the duck boat's radio calls to the tug received no response.
FORMER PRESIDENT GEORGE H. W. BUSH GOES AGROUND
And last on today's nautical news, former President George H.W. Bush's 38-foot Fountain center console boat, Fidelity IV, ran aground in pea soup fog, right in the middle of a very popular beach in Maine. The same thing happened to a boat following it. No injuries were reported. It was not clear who was steering the boat, but the former President was aboard along with some guests. It was reported that the boats were headed to Bush's home in Kennebunkport. The Secret Service helped Bush's staff remove the boats from the middle of the beach, while hundreds of spectators watched. Neither boat was seriously damaged.
Listen to the live broadcast of "Nautical Talk Radio" with Capt Lou and crew, Sunday mornings from 11 - 12 noon (Boston time) on radio station 95.9FM WATD, Marshfield, and streaming around the world on www.959watd.com. You can also listen to a replay of the most recent show anytime during the week at www.nauticaltalk.com.
* Winner of Mass/Rhode Island Associated Press "BEST TALK SHOW"
* Recipient of Coast Guard's Joshua James Lifesaving Medal for public service
* Recipient of American Lighthouse Foundation's "LEN HADLEY AWARD"
* Winner of Boston's Achievement In Radio "BEST INTERVIEW" AWARD
* Nominated Boston's A.I.R. "BEST PRODUCED PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROGRAM"
* Recipient of Man of the Year Award - Metropolitan Yacht Club - 2009
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