US Coast Guard tows disabled fishing boat to Cape God Bay

The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Harriet Lane towed the 95-foot fishing vessel Megan Marie after it became disabled Saturday about 200 miles southeast of Cape Cod, the USCG said in a news release.

Watchstanders at the First Coast Guard District Command Center received notification at approximately 10 p.m. Saturday that the Megan Marie, homeported out of New Bedford, had a fouled propeller and was in need of assistance with five people aboard.

At 10:15 p.m. Saturday the Coast Guard Cutter Harriet Lane was diverted to assist.

Harriet Lane arrived on scene at approximately 5 a.m. Sunday and took the Megan Marie into tow toward Cape Cod.
Harriet Lane passed the tow to a commercial towing company Wednesday afternoon when they get closer to shore. The commercial towing company was expected to bring Megan Marie safely to port in New Bedford.

The Harriet Lane has been underway since early February working to help ensure compliance with fisheries and marine mammal protection laws, said Cmdr. John Cole, the commanding officer of the Harriet Lane.

"The crew of the Megan Marie displayed their professionalism through the heavy winds and seas we encountered, and I am especially proud of the crew of Harriet Lane for their hard work and dedication to safely tow the vessel to a safe haven," said Cole.

The Coast Guard Cutter Harriet Lane is a 270-foot medium endurance cutter homeported in Portsmouth, Virginia.