Shandong Xin Ze

Shandong Xin Ze

Shandong Xin Ze
Photo: dataportuaria.ar

On the evening of September 14, the 229 meter long, 82165 dwt bulk carrier Shandong Xin Ze (IMO: 1026570) ran aground in the South Atlantic Ocean off  the coast of São Paulo, Brazil. The Shandong Xin Ze had suffered a power blackout while entering the port of Santos with its cargo of fertilizers. Unable to restore power, the bulk carrier drifted out of the channel and ran aground.  Traffic was temporarily halted for several hours while 2 tugs assisted Shandong Xin Ze to anchor outside the channel to avoid running into shallow waters. There were no reports of injuries, damage or pollution released. Port authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

Niki

Niki

Niki
Photo: Italian Coast Guard

On the morning of September 11, the 41 meter long, 393 dwt cargo vessel Niki (IMO: 9100968) ran aground on the Mediterranean Sea off Porticello, Sicily. The Niki had departed from Porticello bound for Ténès with a cargo of sea bream when it ran up on the Formica rocks. The cargo vessel sustained hull damage with a 1 meter gash resulting in water ingress, but there were no reports of injuries to the 8 crew on board.

Authorities deployed patrol vessels to the scene. A response team brought dewatering pumps to control the flooding. Divers were able to complete temporary repairs and plug the leaks and refloated the vessel. Reports state the Niki was escorted back to port. The Italian Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.

 

 

 

Storebaelt

Storebaelt

Storebaelt
Photo: schuttevaer.nl

On the evening of September 16, the 34.5 meter long sailing ship Storebaelt collided with the 70 meter long dredger Prins 3 (MMSI: 244700457) in the Wadden Sea off the coast of Harlingen, Netherlands.  The Storebaelt was proceeding on a voyage when it struck head-on with the dredger.  The impact damaged the bowsprit of the Storebaelt and the dredger sustained damage to its bow, but neither vessel suffered water ingress. The KNRM was alerted and two rescue boats were dispatched to the scene.  The KNRM along with another vessel help tow both the Prins 3 and the Storebaelt back to port.

There were no injuries to the 3 crew on the Prins 3, but there were reports of minor injuries on the Storebaelt.  Reports state the sailing vessel had some 25 schoolchildren and 5 adult supervisors on board as passengers during the incident.  Many of the children were examined for bumps and bruises as many were visibly shaken from the incident.  Afterwards, all the passengers were taken to a nearby hotel.

Reports state that conditions may have been a factor in the incident as there were strong winds and heavy rains limited visibility. The incident is under investigation.