M/V Malaspina Aids Stranded Fishing Vessel

Four stranded fishermen were aided by the M/V Malaspina Sunday night after their fishing vessel ran aground southwest of Prince Rupert, British Columbia. The M/V Malaspina responded to a mayday call from the F/V Alaska Queen. The F/V Alaska Queen was stranded on the north east side of Pitt Island, southwest of Prince Rupert. The M/V Malaspina deviated from its course, and was the first ship on the scene. The Malaspina launched a fast rescue boat and stood by the four stranded fishermen for approximately 45 minutes, until the Canadian Coast Guard arrived on scene, and released the Malaspina. At the time of the mayday response, the Malaspina was south bound from Ketchikan bound for Bellingham, Wash. “Alaska Marine Highway System crews are highly trained to respond to these types of situations and we are very proud of the actions of the Malaspina crew in coming to the aid of this vessel in distress,” said AMHS General Manager Capt. John Falvey. “Safety of life at sea is our highest priority and their actions demonstrated just that.”