BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A fishing vessel built in Whatcom County is under arrest as a legal storm brews.
The National Fisherman reports Bellingham and Alaska-based Northline Seafood’s processing vessel “The Hannah” has been ordered to be placed under arrest.
An arrest of the vessel means that under maritime law, U.S. Marshals can detain the barge until they can secure a claim against it.
A U.S. District Court judge approved the order for the arrest of the 400-foot barge after Seattle-based Leo’s Welding and Fabrication filed a complaint. The complaint claims Northline Seafood owes the welding company nearly $1.3 million for work completed in 2024.
Northline Seafood CEO Ben Blakey insists that the vessel will depart from Bellingham’s waters later this month and continue work in Bristol Bay according to IntraFish.
The company warned in court filings that disruptions to the vessel’s work could be “severe and potentially fatal” to their operations.
