Coast Guard Cutter Spencer file photo
BOSTON — The Coast Guard Cutter Spencer returned to homeport Wednesday following a 90-day patrol off the Northeast coast.
During the patrol, Spencer’s crew conducted more than 90 boardings to look for safety violations and compliance with fishery regulations. This ensured the safety of the fishing community in cases of emergencies and ensured New England fisheries were not overharvested.
Spencer’s crew protected Right Whales and other whale species from possible ship strikes and entanglements by enforcing seasonal speed zones and special gear configurations required by the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan (ALWTRP).
During the patrol, Spencer’s crew rescued four fishermen from a disabled fishing vessel after its engine caught fire about 50 miles off the coast of Maine. Spencer’s crew towed the vessel through 8-10 foot seas and 20-knot winds. A 47-foot Motor Lifeboat crew from Coast Guard Station South Portland, Maine met Spencer, took over the tow, and safely escorted the fishermen to shore.
“The crew worked hard to make sure New England’s fishing community was equipped with updated safety gear and our ocean’s valuable resources were protected,” said Cmdr. John McTamney, Spencer’s commanding officer.
The Coast Guard Cutter Spencer is a 270-foot medium endurance cutter homeported in Boston. The ship has a crew complement of 100.
