By Donita Naylor
Journal Staff Writer
Posted Jun. 27, 2016 at 10:09 PM
Updated at 10:10 PM
A fine day of fishing from the Lady Frances ended abruptly at about 11 a.m. Monday when the 100-foot excursion boat out of Galilee and a 70-foot yacht out of Newport collided on Block Island Sound.
Both the Lady Frances and the Sonny were damaged above the water line, a U.S. Coast Guard spokesman said. Neither was taking on water, and both were able to return to port, although the Sonny docked in Jamestown.
No one was injured, and the collision is under investigation, Coast Guard Petty Officer Andrew Barresi said. Investigators have boarded both boats twice.
Frank and Christine Blount own the Frances Fleet, four boats that take people on fishing and whale-watching trips from the Narragansett port of Galilee. Monday's half-day fishing excursion for fluke and black sea bass was carrying 36 passengers, with 3 crew and 2 crew members who were fishing on their day off, the Blounts said.
"We are very grateful that our crew acted appropriately and that nobody was hurt," Christine Blount said. "Everybody said they were fine, and we appreciate their understanding." Passengers were given coupons for future trips.
Frank Blount said that based on the company's internal investigation, "We're satisfied that our crew did nothing wrong."
Photos taken by a passenger show a section of rail missing, and splintered wood projecting into a toilet area.
"We commend our captain and crew for their quick actions," Christine Blount said.