Mirage Begins Flooding After an Unusual Series of Events
During the evening hours of January 3rd a call came in from the BoatU.S. National Dispatch Center for a 50' Sea Ray named Mirage located offshore of Pompano Beach with engine failure. Shortly thereafter, a TowBoatU.S. Ft. Lauderdale captain made direct phone contact with the vessel's owner and learned that the vessel was taking on water. Three boats were immediately dispatched to assist including two twin outboard fast response boats and one 31' twin diesel tug. Upon arrival, the TowBoatU.S. salvage team quickly discovered the cause of the engine failure and flooding. While underway, the anchor came loose from the pulpit of the Mirage along with a large portion of its chain rode. The initial dive inspection revealed that the anchor chain stretched beneath the boat from bow to stern and wrapped around the port shaft and strut dozens of times. As a result, the anchor stock was embedded in the fiberglass and the entire anchor was wedged between the starboard shaft, strut, and propeller. The starboard shaft was pulled out of the shaft coupling resulting in the boat losing all propulsion and the vessel was taking on water as a result of the anchor breaching the fiberglass hull.
After the flooding was under control and 100 or more feet of loose anchor chain was retrieved, a salvage diver was stationed in the engine room of the casualty to monitor bilge water levels and the vessel was towed to Lighthouse Point Yacht and Racquet Club for final patching and inspection.
During a final engine room inspection to insure all sources of flooding were secure, Salvage Master Chris Stevens observed a fire break out which was reportedly caused by the starter on the Port Engine being engaged for a prolonged period of time. Stevens reacted quickly instructing another captain to call the fire department while he reentered the engine room with 2 fire extinguishers and was able to extinguish the fire himself. The fire department inspected the vessel upon arrival and deemed it safe.
TowBoatU.S. Ft. Lauderdale is standing by 24 hours a day seven days a week to respond to their customers towing and salvage needs. They can be reached at 954-783-7821 for more information on their equipment and services.
