20km [ 10 nautical miles ] Southwest of Point Conception

At 0625 the M/V PACBARONESS reported to Coast Guard MSO/Group LA-LB that they had collided with the M/V ATLANTIC WING in position 34° 21 N 120° 45 W. The bow of the M/V ATLANTIC WING struck the M/V PACBARONESS in the starboard side. The collision left the M/V ATLANTIC WING with a gash in the bow about 6 feet above the waterline. The gash extended from the bow to the collision bulkhead, a distance of approximately 12 feet. The M/V PACBARONESS was holed in the starboard side below the waterline. No personnel injuries were reported. At 0630 the M/V PACBARONESS reported that the vessel was sinking. At 0642 the crew abandoned ship. All personnel were taken aboard the M/V ATLANTIC WING. CG 1407 piloted by LT KISVARDY arrived on scene at 0803 and immediatley assessed the situation. They found that all weather deck hatches were left open. LT KISVARDY used the aircraft's hoist to lower his co-pilot to the M/V PACBARONESS. His co-pilot closed all of the water-tight hatches and ventilation intakes he could find. He was then hoisted back aboard CG 1407 so the helicopter could leave the area to refuel.

The vessels on scene observed a light sheen of oil trailing from the M/V PACBARONESS in the early afternoon. CG 1407 returned to Long Beach to pick up three passengers, a pollution investigator and a marine investigator from MSO/Group LA-LB and one public affairs specialist from District 11 (dpa). They arrived back on scene and saw that the situation had deteriorated. The stern of the M/V PACBARONESS was awash and it appeared that it would sink at any time. 1607 Tug ARTHUR S released the tow. 1618 M/V PACBARONESS sank in position 34-21N 120-38.7. 1740 OIL observed bubbling up from the site. (USCG Marine Safety Office Report)