On the afternoon of January 20, the 176 meter long, 12292 dwt car carrier Grande Colonia (IMO: 9318527) became disabled in the English Channel off Cape Gris-Nez, France. The Grande Colonia had suffered engine failure and had gone adrift. After the crew was unable to make repairs, the vessel dropped anchor and began arrangements for towing. French authorities dispatched the 91 meter long, 4250 dwt tugboat Abeille Normandie (IMO: 9442421) to the scene and be available to provide assistance if needed. The car carrier had also arranged for the 49 meter long, 1262 gt tug Centaurus (IMO: 9433755) which departed from Rotterdam, but would not be on site until the following day.
Around midnight on January 20, the Grande Colonia, pushed by wind and the tide, started to drag its anchor. To avoid the car carrier from running aground, the Abeille Normandie established a towline to secure the vessel. The Centaurus arrived on site later that day. It would take several attempts and most of the day to pass the tow to the tug. The Centaurus and Grande Colonia would proceed on to Flushing where it arrived on January 22. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
