The Coast Guard is calling for increased mast inspections of commercial wooden sailing ships in the wake of a fatal Maine schooner accident two years ago.
The mast of the Grace Bailey collapsed off Rockland in 2023, killing passenger Emily Mecklenburg.
“There are currently more than 275 sailing vessels certificated to operate as small passenger vessels and approximately 110 of those vessels have wooden hulls,” a Coast Guard report says. “The Coast Guard will survey those vessels.”
The vessel’s mast maintenance and inspection documentation practices should have been more aggressive, according to the Coast Guard.
But the victim’s father is apparently placing no blame – at least publicly – for his daughter’s tragic death.
“We believe the report speaks for itself,” Peter Mecklenburg told The Maine Wire. “We want to thank everyone for their cooperation with the investigation. We also appreciate the support we have received from the community.”
Mecklenburg, 40, a Rockport physician, was aboard the boat when the main mast snapped, striking and killing her.
The boat carrying Mecklenburg was a mile east of Rockland harbor when the main mast cracked, splintered and slammed onto the deck, mortally wounding her.
In the wake of the accident, the boat’s operators said they had no idea why the mast broke.
The mast showed signs of rot starting twelve feet above the base and extending upwards, according to the Coast Guard.
