On 3/18/1991 , the vessel CAPTAIN K. (Official Number 158606) was involved in a collision - with another vessel or other floating object in 12.4 NM SE BY S OF PORT DOVER, LAKE ERIE, ONT., ONTARIO (ON).

The vessel, with 3 persons on board, experienced the incident while engaged in regular operations. Fortunately, the ship was able to continue its voyage. No injuries or fatalities were reported, and there was minor pollution.

This incident was officially recorded by Transport Canada on 9/20/1993 . Weather at the time was reported as fog with winds from the SW at 20.00 knots.

On 18 March 1991, at approximately 1320, when heading out of Long Point Bay, the CCGS "GRIFFON" collided with the inbound Canadian fishing vessel "CAPTAIN K". Visibility was severely restricted by fog. The "CAPTAIN K" sank almost immediately; the bodies of all three crew members were recovered later from the wreck when the "CAPTAIN K" was salvaged. The fishing vessel was extensively damaged and declared a constructive total loss; the Canadian Coast Guard vessel suffered minor scrapes.

The Board determined that the "GRIFFON", operating at full service speed in reduced visibility, without the use of fog signals, did not correctly identify a radar target ahead of the vessel and take collision avoidance action before the target entered the area of sea clutter. Contributing to the collision was the fact that the "CAPTAIN K" was operating without a serviceable radar.