The 110 meter long self-propelled barge Stolt Basel went aground on the Rhine River near Koblenz. The master of the vessel had made a navigation error and went out of the navigation channel. Initial attempts to refloat the vessel failed until two tugs were able to refloat the Stolt Basel later the same day. No reports of injuries to the five man crew, damage or pollution released. The Stolt Basel was en route to Rotterdam from Ludwigshafen in ballast.
The 90 meter long, 4,719 gt ferry Isle of Mull allided with the pier at Oban harbour, Argyll, Scotland. The ferry was caught by a strong gust of wind and struck the quay. The ferry suffered damage to it’s bow, but no reports of injuries to the 177 passengers on board. The vessel waited an hour until the conditions were favorable and was able to berth. No reports of injuries or pollution being released. The Isle of Mull was taken out of service until repairs can be made.
The 93 meter long, 2980 dwt LPG tanker Oberon ran aground in the Taiwan Strait in Penghu, Taiwan. The Oberon was proceeding to Maptaphut from Taiphung with 1,000 tons of liquified petroleum gas when it was driven onto a reef by high winds and five meter high waves. The master contacted the Taiwan Coast Guard for assistance. The Coast Guard dispatched a helicopter who winched all 16 crew to safety. The vessel hull was ruptured and the cargo of butane. Reports state that a slick has formed around the vessel and has drifted some five kilometers. Authorities has dispatched a response team to contain the pollution. One report states the tanker may breakup before any salvage can be done.
