On the morning of April 24, the 190 meter long, 55317 dwt bulk carrier Federal Tweed (IMO: 9658898) caught fire while berthed in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The blaze started in the hold containing a cargo of scrap releasing large quantities of smoke. The local fire brigade was alerted and dispatched fire fighters to the site while asking local residents in the area to close their windows and doors to keep the smoke out. Fire fighters used a crane to remove the scrap from the Federal Tweed‘s holds to the quay where it could be extinguished. No reports of injuries.
Reports stated that fire fighters were engaged for an extended period in suppression efforts to ensure the fire did not flare up again. The extent of damage caused by the blaze was not disclosed.
On the night of April 17, the 32 meter long towboat Papu Mar (MMSI: 755103015) sank on the Río de la Plata Punta in the Indio Channel near the Banco Chico reef off Argentina. The Papu Mar was pushing the barge 240-4 carrying 140 containers when the towboat suffered uncontrolled water ingress caused by stormy conditions. The crew was unable to control the flooding and the towboat partially sank by the stern. The nine crew on board were able to evacuate the vessel and seek refuge on the barge. Authorities would later rescue the crew and safely transferred them to Port of La Plata where they would receive medical treatment.
Photo: comexonline.com.ar
The RN Salvamento dispatched the tug Ona Don Lorenzo (IMO: 9328388) to assess the situation. The tug was found the Papu Mar had completely sunk, but still connected to the barge. The barge would later be uncoupled and towed to Buenos Aires. Authorities were monitoring the sunken towboat for any potential release of pollution. Reports state the vessel owners were arranging the refloating of the Papu Mar. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
Photo: comexonline.com.ar
Photo: comexonline.com.ar
Photo: comexonline.com.ar
Photo: comexonline.com.ar
Photo: portalportuario.cl
Photo: paraguayfluvial.com
Photo: paraguayfluvial.com
Photo: x.com
Local news reports state the towboat had possibly made an error in judgement to cross the river during the storm. There are suggestions that the rudder room or excessive listing may have allowed water to flood the vessel.
On April 22, the 182 meter long, 45953 dwt tanker Invictus (IMO: 9536820) caught fire in the Indian Ocean. The Invictus was bound for Fujairah from Beira when a fire broke out in the tanker’s engine room. The crew was able to extinguish the fire by the following morning, but only after one crew member sustained burns. An Indian Naval vessel was nearby and proceeded to assist the tanker with medical assistance. Reports state the crew member injured did not require to be airlifted from the vessel, but the vessel’s owners are seeking was to transfer him off the vessel.
Reports state the Invictus sustained damage from the fire and was adrift. The tanker had it’s engine room partially flooded. Naval authorities were monitoring the situation. No details if the tanker would be taken under tow by tugs or if the crew would be able to make repairs.
