On 10/27/23, at approximately 0815, the cmast (center for marine sciences and technology) crew of 4 were beginning their third trawl of the day on their 25 foot parker research vessel at about 2.5 knots.  As they were putting out the trawl net, while entering beaufort inlet (northbound), the operator observed a large recreational vessel (39 feet) coming out of the inlet directly towards them at a high rate of speed (~30 knots).  

Operator1 told the other crew members to stop putting out the net and slightly turned his vessel to starboard to let the other vessel (the maven) know his intentions.  When the maven did not respond, operator1 had subject1 start to hail the vessel on the radio.  When he realized they did not have time to hail the approaching vessel, operator1 had subject1 signal the other vessel with the horn.  Subject1 managed to signal 5 or so times without any response from the other vessel. 

At this point operator1 turned the vessel hard to port and increased throttle to avoid a head on collision.  The maven maintained speed and heading, passing about 10 to or so feet off the parker's stern.  The maven clipped the line towing the trawl net severing it and breaking the davit that it was attached to in the parker.  The trawl net and hardware sank to the bottom and was not recovered.  As the maven passed, the crew of the parker noticed an older gentlemen slumped over at the helm.  

After the maven passed, the crew of the parker followed the maven and attempted to get registration numbers and flag the operator down. They attempted to signal the operator of the maven and tried to hail him on the radio.  When they could not contact him, they relayed the events and situation to the uscg.  Uscg personnel were able to reach operator2 on the radio.  Operator2 stated to them that he was having problems with his gps but was in control of the vessel.  When contacted by the crew of the parker, by radio, operator2 refused to stop and exchange insurance information with them.  Operator2 continued on his course southwest.  The crew of the parker returned and collected what gear remained at the scene of the incident.  

The total damage and loss value of equipment was about $6,500.

Nothing further to report.


****end of report******

BEAUFORT INLET
BEAUFORT                      