Gulf of California Expedition postponed
MBARI's research vessel Western Flyer hit unmarked, submerged, granite rocks on Friday, February 8, while approaching the port of La Paz, in Baja California, Mexico. There were no serious injuries and no oil was spilled. The Western Flyer was on its way to La Paz from Moss Landing, in preparation for a four-month research expedition in the Gulf of California.
 |
The R/V Western Flyer last visited the Gulf of California in 2003. |
The incident occurred while the Western Flyer was maneuvering to avoid another vessel in the narrow San Lorenzo channel entrance to La Paz, Mexico. The Mexican Navy responded and provided assistance. With help from a La Paz dive company, water leaks were quickly repaired in the engine compartment. Thanks to quick thinking and work by the ship’s skipper and crew, the safety of the vessel was maintained at all times and no environmental damage occurred. The Western Flyer was able to pull off the shoal under her own power and is now at the dock in La Paz.
The Western Flyer left Moss Landing on February 4, 2008 to begin a four-month expedition studying the marine biology, geology, and chemistry of the Gulf of California. Following up on tantalizing discoveries made during a 2003 expedition, MBARI researchers were looking forward to returning to this little-explored region. The 2008 research expedition will be delayed as a result of this incident.
MBARI is grateful for the cooperation, assistance, and support it received from the Mexican Navy, the Mexican authorities, and a local Mexican diver during this emergency.
For more information on this article, please contact Kim Fulton-Bennett:
(831) 775-1835, kfb@mbari.org