Tanker’s Hull Gashed in Collision with Fishing Vessel Off New York

Damage can be seen to the crude oil tanker Tofteviken after it collided with a commercial fishing vessel off the coast of New York on May 12, 2018. U.S. Coast Guard Photo

The U.S. Coast Guard’s New York sector responded to collision Saturday between a loaded crude oil tanker and a commercial fishing vessel which left the tanker with a 30-foot gash in its hull.

The collision allegedly occurred nearly 30 miles southeast of Bridgehampton, New York.

According to the Coast Guard, the loaded tankship Tofteviken was transiting to New York when it collided with the fishing vessel Polaris, which was transiting back to its homeport in Massachusetts after a night of fishing.

The Polaris, an 84-foot steel vessel built in 2007, suffered damage to its bow and outrigger. There were seven people aboard at the time of collision with no report of injuries. The vessel was able to return to its homeport safely.

The Bahamas-flagged Tofteviken suffered an approximate 30-foot gash along its portside hull. There were no injuries reported to the crew aboard the tankship.

The Coast Guard said the tanker would remain anchored until the Coast Guard determines it’s safe to continue into port after investigating and reviewing class reports.

AIS ship tracking data as of Tuesday showed the Tofteviken as “at anchor” off the coast of New York. 

Coast Guard marine inspectors and investigators are investigating the cause of the collision and assessing the damage to the Tofteviken’s hull, and to ensure appropriate repairs are completed.

The 241-meter long Tofteviken was built in 2005 and has a deadweight of 115,000 tonnes.