Fishing Vessel Wrecked on Maine Coast Due to Autopilot Error

The Tara Lynn II, a 55-foot fishing trawler, met with a disastrous accident on the Maine coast last weekend due to operator error. David Osier, the vessel’s owner and operator of Osier’s Seafood in South Bristol, reported that the mishap occurred as the captain fell asleep with the vessel on autopilot. Complicating the situation, the bridge alarm designed to wake the crew at intervals was not activated, allowing the vessel to navigate into shallow waters.

The incident took place early Saturday, under challenging conditions with winds gusting up to 50 mph and 6-foot waves. The crew issued a mayday call at 12:30 a.m., leading to their rescue by the Cape Elizabeth Fire and Rescue Department’s Water Extrication Team. Initially, the vessel sustained minor damage upon running aground. However, it was subsequently battered by waves while resting on rocks, leading to significant damage that necessitated demolition.

By Friday, Determination Marine, a salvage company, was managing the vessel’s dismantling with excavators, a process expected to span several days. The incident underscores the risks associated with reliance on autopilot systems and the importance of adhering to safety protocols in the fishing industry.