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Argo Merchant

At approximately 0600 on December 15, 1976, the Liberian tanker Argo Merchant went aground
on Fishing Rip (Nantucket Shoals), 29 nautical miles southeast of Nantucket Island,
Massachusetts in high winds and ten foot seas.  The vessel was carrying approximately
183,000 barrels of No. 6 Fuel Oil (80%) and cutter stock (20%).  The master of the Argo
Merchant requested permission to dump cargo in an effort to control draft and re-float the
vessel.  Permission was denied and attempts to lighter and re-float the vessel using
emergency pumps and an Air Deliverable Anti-Pollution Transfer System (ADAPTS) were
unsuccessful.  The following day the weather worsened and the crew of the Argo Merchant
was evacuated.  On December 17 the vessel began to pivot clockwise and buckle.  On
December 21 the vessel broke in two aft of the king post, spilling approximately 36,000
barrels of cargo.  The bow section split forward of the bridge and capsized on December
22, resulting in the loss of the remaining cargo.  The bow section floated 400-500 yards
to the southeast and was eventually sunk by the USCG while the stern section remained
aground.  Prevailing currents carried the spilled oil away from the shorelines and beaches
of Nantucket.  Weather conditions and uncharted depths surrounding the wreck made salvage
attempts difficult.