Fishing boat sinks

Derelict fishing boat sinks at dock

NEW BEDFORD — A 42-foot commercial fishing boat that harbor officials considered a derelict sank at the dock Tuesday.
The “Seldom Home,” a wooden-hulled boat with a general category scallop permit owned by Nancy Mello, sank overnight while tied up at Leonard’s Wharf. There was no fuel spill or other environmental issue and U.S. Coast Guard and state environmental officials were called to the scene.

The boat was completely submerged.
Kristin Decas, executive director of the Port of New Bedford, said the boat had been the subject of a no trespass order by the port in mid-December and the port was preparing to take additional action against the owner. Ms. Decas said harbor officials considered the boat a derelict, believed it might sink and had checked it late Monday because of their concerns.

Ms. Decas said the boat’s owner was assuming responsibility and the boat will be raised and removed as quickly as possible.
Ms. Decas said the sinking proves that the port must continue its crackdown on derelicts which includes taking owners to court with fines of up to $500 a day.