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Month: June 2011

Varia Explosion

Varia Explosion

 

The 39 meter long, 338 ton self-propelled barge Varia (built 1928) suffered an explosion while in Terneuzen, Netherlands.   The explosion occured in the forecastle of the vessel while it was moored in a side channel.   The master of the vessel was seriously injured and was taken to hospital in Ghent.   A fire emerged from the explosion was quickly extinguished.   The Varia suffered some damage with many rivets popped out causing several leaks. The cargo of coal on the Varia was transferred to the vessel Hollar.  This allowed access to plug the leaks and keep the vessel above water.   The Varia was later taken to drydock for repairs.   Authorities are investigating the cause of the explosion.

More photos at Tugspotters

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Bastø II Allides with Pier

Bastø II Allides with Pier

The 109 meter long, 1489 dwt ferry Bastø II crashed into the pier as it arrived in Horten, Norway.   The Bastø II had entered the harbour with too much speed and was unable to completely stop when it approached the dock.   The ferry suffered damage and will be pulled out of service for at least a week for repairs.   The Bastø II is one of 4 ferrys that run between Horten and Moss.    Residents have already notice long queues to cross the fjord as the Oslo Fjord tunnel was closed for maintenance and only 3 ferrys are in service after the accident.   No reports of injuries during the allision.

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Emmanuel Ashore

Emmanuel Ashore

The 40 metere fishing trawler Emmanuel was blown ashore in rough seas and high winds near De Bakke, Mossel Bay, South Africa.   The Emmanuel contacted the National Sea Rescue Institue (NSRI) that the vessel had run aground 50 meters off shore and were preparing to abandon ship in a life raft.   The NSRI responded to the scene with rescue craft and had local emergency services on stand-by.   The NSRI attached a line to the Emmanuel on the shore-side  in attempt to stabilize it.  However, as the tide dropped, the trawler began to list over.   The NSRI decided to evacuated the 12 crewmen.  Taking 1 or 2 men at a time, the men were relayed from a rescue craft which rode the swells to land them ashore.   The crewmen were then checked by awaiting EMS paramedics.   No one was injured in the incident.   One NSRI craft sustained some damage in the operation.   A tugboat is on scene and will attempt to refloat the trawler on the next high tide.  Authorities are conducting an investigation into the incident.

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