Last Tuesday, what started out as a wonderful fishing trip in Gastineau Channel on flat, calm waters was rudely interrupted by a cruise ship with total disregard to the speed limit imposed on tour ships once they pass Marmion Island inbound.
As we were trolling along enjoying our outing near DuPont Dock, I noticed a Norwegian Cruise Line ship plowing its way up the channel at well over 10 knots, throwing a huge wake with total disregard to several small craft fishing in the area.
I personally was in a 22-foot boat that took waves over the bow when I turned into the wake left by this ship. There were two small open skiffs fishing in the same area that had their world rocked by four-foot breaking waves. Their displeasure could be heard by us over 100 yards away!
Let me explain right off that I do not blame the captain of the ship or the ships owners in totality. Who I do blame are the ship’s pilots who are mandated by maritime law to command these foreign flagged ships once they enter the inside waters of Alaska. These pilots are for the most part retired Coast Guard and Alaska ferry captains who have a full knowledge of the rules and regulations large vessels are required to abide by while piloting the inside waters of Alaska. These pilots are very well compensated for their efforts, and their total disregard for the safety of their fellow mariners can no longer be excused.
The U.S. Coast Guard is just as culpable for not enforcing these regulations since many complaints made to the 17th District have been largely ignored. Coast Guard regulations state that you as the operator of any vessel are responsible for your wake and any damage that may be incurred by that wake. It is way past time that these pilots are held accountable for their actions and the dangers to small craft they can inflict simply because they have a schedule to meet. Both the Coast Guard and the tour ship companies have a responsibility to ensure the safety of the boating public, and this problem needs to be addressed before a life threatening incident occurs.
Just a note to the tour ship companies: You all signed a “Best Tourism Practices” promise to the residents of this community. How about reminding those in command of your vessels that you did so before something happens that will totally destroy that promise and any creditability your word may have to the residence of this or any community in Alaska.
John Niemi,
Douglas