South Bristol Harbormaster Cecil Burnham received a call from the Coast Guard Station in Boothbay Harbor on Christmas day about a sunken scallop trawler still tied to the wharf.
Burnham said the Coast Guard explained a woman reported the trawler underwater, concerned it might cause damage to the pier.
When Burnham arrived, the boat was standing upright partially submerged, with its bottom resting on the ocean floor.
Lester Benner of Bristol owns the scallop trawler Chatham J. He could not be reached for comment by press time.
The Coast Guard was concerned about pollution related to the sinking, and asked Burnham to check-in after he viewed the scene. He reported a small fuel leak, but minimal damage. According to Burham, the Coast Guard later contacted the boat’s owner.
He explained the Chatham J. was a very old boat, previously owned by Henry Jones. Burnham said Benner completed a significant amount of repair work on the trawler. Recently Benner removed the motor, so it was not submerged in the accident.
The boat was tied to the wharf from several locations with small ropes to keep it upright and prevent it from rolling over fully, he said. Later at low tide, the boat was pumped out, and is currently floating relatively unscathed, according to Burnham.
