In a devastating incident, the main mast of the schooner Grace Bailey, a historic excursion vessel, splintered and collapsed, leading to one fatality and injuries to passengers off the coast of Maine. The vessel, which was returning from a four-day cruise, experienced the catastrophic failure of its mast, causing the tragic accident. The injured passengers were swiftly evacuated by a nearby Coast Guard vessel.
The owner of the Grace Bailey expressed deep sorrow over the accident, emphasizing that the safety of their guests is always their top priority. Captain Sam Sikkema, in a statement, conveyed the crew’s devastation and the loss of a dear friend. The vessel’s operators were left baffled as to why the mast failed, and a full investigation will be conducted by the Coast Guard to determine the cause.
The Rockland Fire Department reported that one person succumbed to their injuries, while three others were transported to hospitals for treatment. One of the injured passengers was airlifted by helicopter, while the remaining two were taken to a local hospital. Images shared online depict the vessel’s main mast splintered at the top.
The Grace Bailey holds a significant place in Maine’s windjammer fleet, a collection of sailing vessels that offer scenic excursions along the coast. With a length of 118 feet, it can accommodate up to 29 passengers. Built in 1882 in Long Island, New York, the vessel has a rich history.
Authorities have not released the names of the victims involved in the incident. The boat’s operators had been actively sharing updates on social media throughout the trip, including a photo of passengers carving pumpkins on board the day before the tragic accident.
While the investigation into the mast failure is underway, the community mourns the loss of a life and prays for the swift recovery of those injured.
