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Month: April 2012

Al Deebel

Al Deebel

The 31 meter long tugboat Al Deebel suffered an explosion and fire while off Qatar.  The tug was doing maintenance on a buoy that allowed liquid natural gas to be pumped into tankers when the buoy exploded.   Seven people on the Al Deebel were killed in the explosion with another four injured.   Only one crewman escaped unharmed.   The tug caught fire, but was able to be extinguished.   The tug was taken under tow back to Qatar where it will be inspected.   Authorities and the owners of the tug are conducting an investigation into the incident.

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Ursus

Ursus

The 19 meter long tug Ursus became disabled while in the port of Rønne, Denmark  after it’s propeller was fouled by a rope.  The port’s pilot boat was able to tow the tug back to the pier.  No reports of injuries or pollution being released.

Estelle

Estelle

The 53 meter long, 320 dwt 3-masted sailing ship Estelle ran aground near Nagu, Finland.  The Estelle was en route to the Mediterranean Sea from Turku with 17 persons on board when its main engine failed.   The crew dropped anchor, but the water was too deep.   The Estelle drifted until it drifted ashore on a beach at Lydarudd.  The Finish Coast Guard responded sending a rescue boat to the scene.   The rescue boat was able to refloat the Estelle and take it under tow.   The vessels proceeded to Retais where the Estelle will be taken to a shipyard for inspection.  No reports of injuries or pollution being released.   Reports state the engine failed because the vessel ran out of fuel.

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