Maritime Incidents of November: A Month of Shipwrecks and Rescues
The month of November saw a diverse array of maritime incidents across the globe, ranging from tragic losses of life during severe weather to successful rescue operations in the frigid waters of the North Pacific. These events highlight the inherent dangers of seafaring, whether involving commercial fishing trawlers, cargo ships, or military vessels.
Key Facts
- Highest Loss of Life: An unidentified ferry in the Philippines sank during Typhoon Agnes, resulting in 440 deaths.
- Alaska Hotspot: Multiple incidents occurred near Kodiak Island and Montague Island, involving the Mar del Labrador, Bottom Line, Dotty G, and Cimbria.
- Towing Tragedy: In Long Island Sound, the barge Cape Race sank and pulled its towing tug, the Celtic, down with it.
- Military Disposal: The USCGC Campbell, a Treasury-class cutter, was intentionally sunk as a target in the Pacific Ocean.
North Pacific and Alaskan Waters
The waters around Alaska were particularly volatile this month. On November 2, the Spanish fishing trawler Mar del Labrador sank 25 nautical miles southwest of Kodiak. Fortunately, the entire crew of 30 was rescued by the vessel Dona Genoveva.
Later in the month, on November 13, the 98-foot fishing trawler Bottom Line sank approximately 50 nautical miles south of Cape Chiniak. The five crew members, protected by survival suits—specialized insulated garments designed to prevent hypothermia—were rescued by three Polish fishing vessels.
Tragedy struck on November 20 in Zaikof Bay off Montague Island, where the seiner Dotty G capsized and sank during a gale while at anchor, resulting in the death of an 11-year-old boy. The month concluded with the sinking of the 50-foot crab-fishing vessel Cimbria off Cape Trinity on November 30, though its crew of three was saved by a skiff from Akhiok.
Atlantic and European Incidents
In the United States, a catastrophic event occurred on November 17 in Long Island Sound. The barge Cape Race (145 to 150 feet long) sank in 60 to 70 feet of water. The sinking dragged down the 85-foot tug Celtic, which was towing the barge. All five crew members of the Celtic perished; their bodies were later recovered by police divers. The two wrecks remain connected by a towing hawser—a thick cable used for towing ships.
Across the Atlantic, the United Kingdom experienced two coaster incidents. On November 22, the Fylrix capsized off Plymouth, Devon. Three crew members were airlifted by a helicopter from the RFA Engadine to the HMS Brilliant, while the remaining four were saved by the Plymouth lifeboat. On November 27, the West German coaster Lena Wessels ran aground off Lowestoft, Suffolk, with all five crew members rescued via helicopter.
Global Cargo and Military Events
Other international waters saw significant losses. On November 5, an unidentified ferry in the Philippines capsized and sank during Typhoon Agnes, leading to the loss of 440 lives. On November 21, the Panamanian cargo ship Topeka ran aground off Coatzacoalcos, Mexico, resulting in the deaths of two of its 27 crew members.
In Florida, the Venezuelan cargo ship Mercedes I was driven ashore at Palm Beach during a late November nor'easter—a macro-scale storm common to the East Coast. The ship was eventually salvaged and repurposed as an artificial reef in March 1985.
Finally, on November 29, the USCGC Campbell, a Treasury-class cutter belonging to the United States Coast Guard, was sunk as a target in the Pacific Ocean northwest of Kauai, Hawaii.
Summary of November Maritime Incidents
| Date | Vessel | Nationality | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 2 | Mar del Labrador | Spain | Crew of 30 rescued |
| Nov 5 | Unidentified Ferry | Philippines | 440 lives lost |
| Nov 13 | Bottom Line | USA | Crew of 5 rescued |
| Nov 17 | Cape Race & Celtic | USA | 5 crew lost (Celtic) |
| Nov 20 | Dotty G | USA | 1 fatality |
| Nov 21 | Topeka | Panama | 2 crew lost |
| Nov 29 | USCGC Campbell | USA | Sunk as target |
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the USCGC Campbell?
The USCGC Campbell, a Treasury-class cutter, was intentionally sunk as a target in the Pacific Ocean northwest of Kauai, Hawaii, on November 29.
How did the Celtic and Cape Race sink?
The barge Cape Race sank in Long Island Sound and pulled the tug Celtic, which was towing it, down with it. The two vessels remain connected by their towing hawser on the seabed.
Which incident caused the most fatalities?
The sinking of an unidentified ferry off Romblon in the Philippines during Typhoon Agnes was the deadliest incident, resulting in 440 deaths.
What is a towing hawser?
A towing hawser is a heavy-duty cable or rope used to connect a towing vessel, such as a tug, to the vessel being towed.
Were there any successful rescues in Alaska?
Yes, several. The crews of the Mar del Labrador, Bottom Line, and Cimbria were all successfully rescued by other vessels or skiffs.