I Learned About Boating From That - Trawler Trouble

by Capt. Gregg Clark

In August of 2016, I was taking a number of my yacht club's junior water polo players and a few parents to a nearby yacht club for a water polo match aboard my 56’ Vicem, Serenity. Not long after entering the harbor in Stamford, CT, I heard a “Pan-Pan” distress call on VHF channel 16. A vessel with three passengers aboard was taking on water. As I listened to them call their latitude and longitude, I realized they were close. Their report that they were attempting to make their way to Stamford confirmed their proximity. They reported water was already above their cabin sole.

Despite the team needing to be at their year-end tournament, I spun Serenity around and proceeded at full speed toward the vessel’s reported location.  I informed the US Coast Guard that I was en route to provide assistance if needed.  I provided the color and size of Serenity so the individuals in distress would be easily able to identify us. All the kids were already wearing life vests, but I instructed to parents to put them on as well.

Upon arriving at the vessel in distress, a mid-40-foot trawler, we took up a position alongside, but at a safe distance.  I noticed none of the mariners were wearing their life jackets, so I recommended they put them on immediately.  I told them I would take over communication responsibilities so that they could focus on the onslaught of seawater.  I radioed the Coast Guard again and confirmed their position, location relative to key landmarks, vessel description and overall situation.

Within about 15 minutes, a Darien, CT police boat arrived followed closely by TowBoat US. The water level had increased enough to kill their engines and the boat was about 10 degrees bow down.  The situation, while still serious, was now in the hands of professionals with the resources to handle any eventuality.  I asked the police if they needed further assistance.  They said no.  I confirmed this with the US Coast Guard via VHF.  We left the scene and headed back to Stamford Yacht Club.

As I reflect on that afternoon’s events, I take away the following:

1. Make sure your boat is in top condition.  While I don’t know what caused the boat to take on water; the age, apparent condition and location of the vessel (mid-sound, so a grounding was unlikely) suggest a through-hull may have been the culprit.  I check every one of my through hulls regularly.
2. While most of us are not required to carry a VHF, everyone should.  The USCG Vessel Bridge-to-Bridge Radiotelephone Regulations outline vessels that must carry a VHF (vessels over 20m in length, vessels of 100 GT with at least one paying passenger, dredges, etc.)
3. However, if there is a VHF on board, per FCC 47 CFR §§ 80.310, it MUST be on and channel 16 monitored while underway. Unfortunately, most people I know don’t.  I always monitor 09, 13 and 16 plus any other local channels of significance.  
4. The COLREGS REQUIRE a master to render assistance to any person in danger of being lost at sea (§2304 Duty to provide assistance at sea).  The penalty to fail to do so is up to $1,000 and/or 2 years in prison!!!  
5. Rehearse safety procedures regularly.  Know how many people are on board.  Have everyone put on life jackets.  Know how to use the VHF and how to talk to the Coast Guard.  Know location of flares and other safety equipment.

Our response, in addition to easing the mind of three stressed boaters in a crisis, provided a great learning experience for the kids on board.  They saw what to do and how to do it in a calm and organized fashion.  In addition to making it to Stamford just in time for the team warm-ups, they will have a good sea story to share with their friends and family.

Capt. Gregg Clark is a test captain for BoatTEST.  He holds a 200 GT master license and has boating and yachting for 40 years.  He owns a 56’ Vicem and is co-owner in a 40’ high-performance racing sailboat.  He can be reached at [email protected].

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