November 9, 2012 — The effects of the heavy gales sweeping across the region became highly visible in New Bedford Harbor on Thursday. The Lori Ann, a commercial clam boat owned by Atlantic Capes Fisheries, broke its dock lines at the South Terminal early Thursday morning and went hard aground near the hurricane barrier behind the Shuster Corporation building.
A 32-foot sailboat named Defiance, its shattered mast hanging over the side, was also cast ashore next to the 77-foot steel clam boat. A second sailboat sank next to the hurricane barrier, leaving only its mast protruding from the water.
New Bedford Fire Chief Michael Gomes came upon the groundings while patrolling the waterfront at 7 a.m.
Efforts to refloat the clam boat on the afternoon high tide failed. The tugboat Janice from Tucker-Roy Marine Towing and Salvage made repeated efforts to yank the stranded vessel from the mud but was hampered by 35 mph north winds that pressed the hull ashore.
Shallow water around the Lori Ann also restricted the tug's ability to maneuver and forced the towline to come off the vessel's bow at a broad angle. The salvage attempt was abandoned after the towline parted moments after the tide turned.
Tugboat Captain Conrad Roy Jr. said he would ask the Lori Ann's owners to lighten the vessel by removing fuel and water from its tanks before another attempt is made.
Read the full story at the New Bedford Standard Times