The Bering Sea, known for its rich gold deposits, has been the backdrop for many adventures and misadventures, particularly involving the reality TV show *Bering Sea Gold*. This show follows various crews as they attempt to mine gold from the sea floor. Among the vessels featured, two notable incidents involve the sinking of the Sound Developer and the Myrtle Irene.
The Sound Developer, a 117-foot dredge, sank in 2009 while moored in Cordova Harbor. Its sinking led to significant environmental concerns due to fuel leaks and debris. The federal government later filed a lawsuit against its owner, John Mehelich, for failing to manage the vessel properly after it became an unauthorized dump site. The recovery costs exceeded $1.6 million, highlighting the financial and ecological ramifications of neglecting maritime vessels.
On the other hand, the Myrtle Irene, introduced in season 10 of *Bering Sea Gold*, has faced multiple challenges over the years. In 2018, it suffered severe damage during an attempt to pull it out of the water, leading to a temporary sinking scenario. Although it did not sink permanently, this incident showcased the risks associated with operating heavy machinery in harsh marine environments.
| Boat Name | Details |
|---|---|
| Sound Developer | Sank in 2009; recovery cost $1.6 million |
| Myrtle Irene | Damaged in 2018; temporarily sunk but recovered |
The Sound Developer Incident
The Sound Developer was originally built in 1960 and had been used for gold dredging operations before its sinking. After being moored at Cordova Harbor for several years without proper maintenance, it sank due to neglect. The U.S. Coast Guard reported that over 450 gallons of oil leaked into the harbor as a result of the sinking, prompting environmental concerns and legal action.
John Mehelich, the vessel's owner and a participant on *Bering Sea Gold*, faced a civil lawsuit from federal prosecutors for failing to secure and maintain his vessel. The government sought reimbursement for recovery costs and penalties due to violations of environmental laws. The recovery operation involved removing debris and addressing oil spills, which proved both costly and complex.
The city of Cordova declared the area around the sunken vessel a hazard to navigation. Efforts to raise the Sound Developer were fraught with difficulties, including potential further oil discharge during recovery attempts. Ultimately, after extensive efforts by Global Diving and Salvage and other contractors, the vessel was successfully raised and dismantled.
This incident serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of responsible vessel ownership and maintenance. Neglect can lead not only to significant financial burdens but also to environmental damage that affects local ecosystems.
The Myrtle Irene's Challenges
The Myrtle Irene is an excavator dredge barge that has become a staple on *Bering Sea Gold*. It was introduced in season 10 and has since undergone numerous modifications to enhance its performance on the challenging waters of Norton Sound. However, it has not been without its own set of challenges.
In 2018, while attempting to extract it from the water for maintenance, a catastrophic failure occurred when water rushed into the vessel through an open hatch. This incident caused significant structural stress on the hull as over 75,000 gallons of water flooded in. Captain Ken Kerr's distress call during this event highlighted the precarious nature of operating such heavy machinery under adverse conditions.
Despite this setback, the Myrtle Irene was successfully refurbished and returned to service within a year. The upgrades cost over $1 million but significantly improved its operational capabilities. The crew's determination paid off when they managed to secure substantial gold hauls in subsequent seasons, demonstrating resilience in overcoming challenges.
The Myrtle Irene's story is one of perseverance amid adversity. It reflects not only the risks associated with gold mining in harsh environments but also the commitment required from crews who face these challenges head-on.
Environmental Implications
Both incidents involving the Sound Developer and Myrtle Irene underscore critical environmental implications associated with maritime operations in sensitive areas like the Bering Sea. The sinking of vessels can lead to oil spills that threaten marine life and local ecosystems.
For instance, when Sound Developer sank, it leaked significant amounts of oil into Cordova Harbor, prompting immediate cleanup efforts by environmental agencies. Such spills can have long-lasting effects on wildlife habitats and fishing industries that rely on clean waters.
Moreover, as shown by these incidents, regulatory bodies are increasingly vigilant about enforcing environmental laws related to maritime operations. Owners of vessels must adhere to strict maintenance protocols to prevent accidents that could lead to pollution or other ecological disasters.
The lessons learned from these events emphasize the need for responsible practices among those engaged in marine mining activities. Ensuring that vessels are properly maintained not only protects investments but also safeguards natural resources vital for future generations.
Legal Consequences
The legal ramifications stemming from these incidents are significant. In the case of Sound Developer, John Mehelich faced a federal lawsuit seeking reimbursement for recovery costs exceeding $1.6 million due to his negligence in maintaining his vessel.
This lawsuit highlights how failure to comply with maritime regulations can lead to severe financial penalties and legal actions against vessel owners. It serves as a reminder that those involved in marine operations must be diligent about their responsibilities regarding vessel care and environmental protection.
In contrast, while no formal legal action resulted from Myrtle Irene's temporary sinking incident, it raised questions about operational safety standards within marine mining practices. This incident prompted discussions about improving safety protocols among crews working under challenging conditions.
As regulatory scrutiny increases within this industry, operators must be proactive in adhering to safety guidelines and ensuring their vessels are equipped to handle potential emergencies effectively.
Conclusion
The stories surrounding the Sound Developer and Myrtle Irene reflect both the allure and dangers of gold mining in Alaska’s treacherous waters. While these vessels have become icons within *Bering Sea Gold*, their respective incidents serve as crucial reminders about responsible ownership practices and environmental stewardship.
As crews continue their quest for gold amidst unpredictable conditions, understanding past mistakes will be essential for ensuring safer operations moving forward. By prioritizing maintenance and adhering to legal requirements, operators can mitigate risks associated with maritime activities while protecting precious marine ecosystems.
FAQs About Boat Sank On Bering Sea Gold
- What boat sank on Bering Sea Gold?
The Sound Developer sank in 2009 while moored at Cordova Harbor. - What caused the Sound Developer to sink?
The vessel sank due to neglect after being left unattended for an extended period. - How much did it cost to recover the Sound Developer?
The recovery cost exceeded $1.6 million due to oil spills and debris removal. - Did Myrtle Irene sink permanently?
No, Myrtle Irene temporarily sank during an incident but was successfully refurbished. - What are the environmental impacts of these sinkings?
Sinking vessels can lead to oil spills that threaten marine life and local ecosystems.