PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Legare returned to Portsmouth Friday following a 36-day patrol in the Atlantic Ocean.
During the patrol, Legare's crew rescued a disabled fishing boat crew, conducted multiple vessel boardings to enforce maritime law and volunteered in two ports during their free time.
While patrolling in the Gulf of Maine in the Coast Guard 1st District's area of responsibility, Legare's crew towed the 61-foot fishing boat Angela Michelle to Gloucester, Massachusetts, after the boat became disabled approximately 115 miles east of Gloucester April 18.
Legare's crew conducted various fisheries boardings while in the Gulf of Maine and waters near Georges Bank, resulting in a total of six violations for fishermen. Four fishing boat captains were cited for illegal net configurations, one for not providing a boarding ladder and one for lack of a valid operator permit. During two port calls, Legare crew members volunteered at the Preble Street soup kitchen in Portland, Maine, and the New England Center for Homeless Veterans in Boston. While in the Coast Guard 5th District's area of responsibility, beginning in the waters off northern New Jersey, Legare crew members conducted a total of 19 vessel boardings, resulting in a total of three violations issued to mariners for expired flares. "This was a great patrol for cutter Legare's crew, and we were excited to participate in the fisheries mission in the New England and Mid-Atlantic regions,” said Cmdr. Todd Vance, commanding officer of the cutter. "The crew worked hard to ensure these important fisheries remain sustainable and fishing vessel fleets operate safely. We are happy to be home in time for Mother's Day and are looking forward to spending time with family members before we depart on our next patrol."