Coast Guard assists after sailboat collides with container ship

SAN PEDRO, Calif. –  Coast Guard and Long Beach Lifeguard rescue crews assisted the passengers of a 26-foot sailboat after it collided with a 901-foot container ship in the Port of Los Angeles, at 4:30 a.m., Friday morning.

Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles – Long Beach Command Center personnel received a call on VHF marine radio channel 16 from the master of the sailboat Free Spirit, reporting a collision with the container ship YM Plum approximately one mile southwest of Angels Gate.

The YM Plum reported no damage to its hull, however, the sailboat suffered minor damage to its stern.

There were no reports of injuries or pollution stemming from the incident, and sailboat was towed to Cabrillo Marina in San Pedro.

The cause of the collision is under investigation.

The Coast Guard reminds boaters that the entrances and navigation channels inside the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are considered Narrow Channels as described in Rule 9 of the of the Navigation Rules of the Road.  As such, small boat operators are reminded that all vessels under 65 feet, sailing vessels and vessels engaged in fishing shall not impede the passage of a vessel that can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway.  Navigation rules may be found on line at www.navcen.uscg.gov . For more information on safe boating, please visit www.uscgboating.org.