Spills

Humboldt bay, california

F/V Midnight Sun; Humboldt Bay, California · NOAAORR-6525

issued
1987-12-02 00:00Z
status
cancelled 1987-12-16 00:00Z
self-cancels
1987-12-16 00:00Z
authority
NOAA OR&R
sea
North Pacific Ocean
position
40.770, -124.256
vessel
F/V MIDNIGHT SUN
source
incidentnews · first seen 2026-09-03 15:09Z

Original warning text

F/V Midnight Sun; Humboldt Bay, California.
Humboldt Bay, California.
1. The 72-foot fishing boat, Midnight Sun, was carrying approximately 4,000 gallons of number 2 diesel fuel when it capsized in 25-foot seas just outside of Humboldt Bay at 0835 on December 2, 1987. The vessel had lost all power as it was steaming close in, approximately 1 mile off shore. The skipper planned to salvage parts of the vessel when the winds and seas died down. The captain of the vessel was able to don a life jacket and was rescued several hours later, but three other fishermen drowned when a large wave washed them overboard without life jackets. Their bodies were recovered the following day. USCG district 12.
2. COMMODITY: # 2 DIESEL FUEL. MAXIMUM POTENTIAL RELEASE: 4000 GALLONS.
3. POSITION 40.770N 124.256W. NOAA INCIDENTNEWS 6525: https://incidentnews.noaa.gov/incident/6525

This area · spills & pollution incidents

71 within 180 nm since 1984 · 4 in the last 12 months · 1 in force now

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Timeline · 2 messages since 1987-12-02 · closed 1988-01-19

  1. Humboldt bay, california this message1987-12-02 → 1987-12-16
  2. Rocky point, california1988-01-05 → 1988-01-19

joined by proximity

Nearby now · within 120 nm

Nothing else in force within 120 nm.

Worldwide now

8 spills & pollution incidents in force · see all

Spills

Oil and chemical spills, groundings and vessel casualties with a pollution threat: NOAA IncidentNews responses since 1957, and spill-response areas broadcast as navigational warnings. All current spills & pollution incidents →

Not for navigation. This is a re-rendering of an official navigational warning for awareness; mariners must use official NAVAREA broadcasts and their national MSI service.