Maine doctor identified as victim killed by broken schooner mast in Rockland
A Maine doctor was killed, and three others were injured after a schooner’s main mast snapped and fell onto the boat in Rockland on Monday.
The Maine Office of the Medical Examiner identified the deceased as 40-year-old Emily Mecklenburg of Rockland.
Mecklenburg was a doctor at Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport, according to the Portland Press Herald.
The Coast Guard responded to the Grace Bailey Monday morning, alongside Rockland Emergency Services, bringing the injured to shore before sending some to Pen Bay Medical Center.
According to the Coast Guard, 33 people were on board when the falling mast killed Mecklenburg and left three others with head and back injuries.
Two victims were brought to Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport and the third was brought to a hospital via LifeFlight helicopter.
In a statement, Coast Guard Capt. Amy Florentino said: “In this time of sorrow, we offer our deepest condolences to the grieving family, and our most heartfelt wishes for a swift recovery to those harmed,”
Grace Bailey Navigation’s spokesperson says the ship was coming back from a four-day cruise when the mast split.
The 118-foot ship was built in 1882 and had been running 3-6 day charters and offering a full catering service and a sea exploration of Rockland for up to 29 passengers at a time.
“My crew and I are devastated by this morning’s accident, especially since the safety of our guests is always our biggest priority,” Grace Bailey’s Captain Sam Sikkema said on Monday. “Most importantly, we are beyond heartbroken that we lost a dear friend.”
There is no word yet on what might have caused that mast to split. The Coast Guard is launching an investigation.