Salvage Underway for Fishing Vessel Aground Near Live-Fire Training Grounds in North Carolina

The 88-foot fishing vessel aground in Browns Inlet, North Carolina, Dec. 9th, 2019. U.S. Coast Guard Photo

A unified command has been established to oversee the salvage of a grounded fishing vessel near an off-limits U.S. military live-fire training area in North Carolina.

The 88-foot fishing vessel, Sea Angels, ran aground in Browns Inlet, North Carolina last Monday morning after the vessel reported mechanical issues. All four fisherman on board were hoisted to safety by a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter.

There is an estimated 15,000 gallons of diesel fuel on board.

Browns Island and its surrounding waters are off-limits to the public due to the potential for unexploded military ordnances from active live fire training in the area dating back to World War II. 

“Our priority is ensuring the safety of both response personnel and the public while mitigating potential environmental impacts,” said Capt. Bion Stewart, commander of Coast Guard Sector North Carolina. “We are thankful for the expertise of our interagency partners, which is instrumental to the response efforts.”

The Unified Command consists of the U.S. Coast Guard, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, the State of North Carolina, Onslow County Emergency Management, and the owner of the vessel.

Subscribe for Daily Maritime Insights

Sign up for gCaptain’s newsletter and never miss an update

— trusted by our 109,148 members