A historic landing craft based in Homer collided with a recreational sport fishing boat about 12:30 p.m. last Thursday, July 13. The U.S. Coast Guard received a report that the Helenka B had collided with the recreational vessel.

The recreational vessel sank and two mariners on board were injured.

As a result of the collision and the report, it qualified as a reportable marine casualty and the Coast Guard has since opened an ongoing investigation.

“The two passengers that were on board that boat were taken to South Peninsula Hospital and treated for non-life threatening injuries,” U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Nick Capuzzi said. “A Good Samaritan vessel transported the passengers from the scene of the accident to the Homer Harbor where they were met by Homer Volunteer Firefighter EMS.”

Owned by Alaska Coastal Freight in Homer, the Helenka B is a former U.S. Navy minesweeper and patrol boat, the USS Surfbird, that served in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.