J.W. Westcott II, capsized and sank in the Detroit River, taking her crew with her.
The Westcott II left her dock just before 7:00 a.m. and was taking two Canadian pilots to waiting ships. After pulling along side of the ocean tanker Sidsel Knutsen, the Westcott II was unable to keep up with the tanker. The Westcott II then was swamped by the wake of the Knutsen, capsized and then sank just abreast of Zug Island.
On board the J.W. Westcott II were her crew, Captain Catherine Nasiatka and Deckhand Dave Lewis. Also on board were Canadian pilots Alain Gindroz and Tom Roesslein.
The two Canadian Pilots on board were able to escape the perils about to come; however, the Westcott II's crew did not.
The pilots reported hearing the
J.W. Westcott II hit the river bottom. By that time, the cabin of the Westcott II had around one foot of air remaining in her cabins. The pilots were then able to pry one of the doors open and return to the surface.
The Detroit-Windsor truck ferry Stormont arrived on the scene to pluck the survivors from the 54 degree water. The pilots were then taken to a nearby Windsor Hospital.
The Sidsel Knutsen did not stop to render assistance. The Knutsen kept on going and did not stop until she reached her destination of Sarnia, Ontario. However, on her return to the Detroit River, the Knutsen was detained by Windsor Police.
Recovery efforts were attempted on Wednesday, October 24, 2001. Because of weather conditions, efforts could not be completed.
The next effort was made on Sunday, October 28, 2001. This time the recovery team almost completed the operation; but because of night time setting in, the Westcott II had to be set back in the river.
The J.W. Westcott II was finally pulled out of the Detroit River on Monday, October 29, 2001. The body of Captain Catherine Nasiatka was found on board. The body of deckhand Dave Lewis is still missing.
The Westcott II was towed to Nicholson's Dry Dock in Ecorse. The Westcott II now sits high and dry as the crew assesses and repairs the damages.
The damage was, however, minimal considering what the J.W. Westcott II went through.
The recovery of David Lewis ends one chapter in the tragedy of the J. W. Westcott II. Currently the U.S. Coast Guard is completing computer analaysis of the Westcott II and how she went down.
Article By: J. Kreimes
Update:
During the Winter Lay-up, the J.W. Westcott II was rebuilt and put into service on the April 9th, 2002.