A fishing trawler that was caught in a powerful storm off the coast of Maine and crashed onto rocks has been declared a total loss and will be removed in the coming days, according to the owner of a salvage business. The Tara Lynn II, a 55-foot fishing vessel, ran aground on Saturday near Trundy Point, just south of the Portland Head Light. The treacherous conditions, with winds reaching 50 mph and 6-foot waves, made it impossible for traditional boats to approach the stranded crew. However, the Cape Elizabeth Fire and Rescue Department’s Water Extrication Team managed to reach the trawler using an inflatable boat, completing two trips to rescue all four crew members.
As of Wednesday, the Tara Lynn II remains stuck approximately 300 feet offshore in Cape Elizabeth. Parker Poole, the owner of Determination Marine, the towing and salvage company handling the operation, stated that it will take several days to demolish and remove the vessel. The fishing trawler had been en route to Portland Harbor to evade the coastal storm when it veered too close to shore and crashed into the rocks. Poole, who received the distress call at 12:30 a.m. on Saturday, hurried to the scene but was unable to provide immediate assistance due to the hazardous conditions.
Despite the challenges, the crew members were successfully rescued, with Poole expressing relief at the positive outcome. However, the Tara Lynn II suffered irreparable damage. Both the Maine Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Coast Guard have approved the demolition plan for the vessel. Poole intends to establish a pathway across private property to allow excavators to reach the trawler during low tide, a process that will span multiple days.
This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by commercial fishermen and the bravery of rescue teams in extreme weather conditions. The community in Maine mourns the loss of the fishing trawler while expressing gratitude for the safe rescue of the crew members.
