The 114 meter long, 3248 dwt coastal freighter Volgo-balt 244 went aground off Løgstør, Denmark. The Volgo-balt 244 was proceeding in ballast from Gdynia to Thisted to load a cargo of ore. Reports state the mate on the vessel had lost control of the vessel due to the difficult currents and strong wind. The vessel rests on a sand bank and authorities are not worried of possible pollution being released. No salvage date has been set. No reports of injuries.
The 180 meter long, 3977 dwt passenger ship Aratere became disabled off Wellington, New Zealand after the vessel suffered engine failure. The Aratere had a problem with its port shaft and requested tugs to tow the vessel into port. The Aratere was heading to Wellington from Picton with a cargo of freight. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution being released. Reports state the vessel should be able to make repairs and return to service later the same day.
Video of the Aratere under tow
Pollution Update
Heavy fuel oil has leaked from the container ship Rena and an oil slick stretches some 1500 to 2000 meters from the vessel. Attempts to use oil dispersants have failed to breakup the oil slick. Authorities are preparing equipment to scoop-up the oil from the water surface. Other equipment will arrive to prepare for a potential shoreline cleanup. The amount of oil released is not known, but divers confirmed that fuel tanks were still intact with the majority of the 1700 cubic meters of fuel oil was still held within them. Reports state several dead birds have been found near the site coated in oil. A 1 kilometer exclusion zone has been place around the site.
Salvage Company Selected
The salvage company Svitzer has been chosen to begin salvage operations on the Rena. Svitzer, based in Denmark, have not disclosed when they will begin operations. More information can be found on their website: http://www.svitzer.com/
