The 92 meter long, 3456 dwt freighter Bandai V became disabled in the East China Sea near Shanghai, China. The vessel had suffered a steering malfunction and had gone adrift. The vessel contacted authorities who dispatched a rescue boat to the scene. The Bandai V was taken under towed the vessel to port. No reports of injuries to the 16 crew on board, damage or pollution being released. The Bandai V was en route to Shanghai with a cargo of chemicals.
The 81 meter long, 2300 dwt freighter Kelarvi collided with the small passenger vessel Rossi on the Neva River near St. Petersburg, Russia. The small vessel crossed the path of the freighter when the two vessels collided. The smaller Rossi quickly turned sideways caught on the freighter’s bow until it swung away and capsized. The damage hull flooded with water nearly submerging the entire boat. The 13 passengers on board were luckily on the upper deck. Many fell overboard and were later rescued by nearby vessels. Ten people were injured and were taken to hospital. Authorities report that the Rossi’s two crew were at fault for the collision and that criminal charges have been filed. The Kelarvi suffered only minor damage and no injuries to the crew.
Russian TV coverage at www.ntu.ru
The 194 meter long bulk freighter Buffalo went aground on Lake Huron near Sarnia, Ontario, Canada. The Buffalo was en route to Cleveland with a cargo of iron ore pellets when it suffered a malfunction with its propulsion system. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released. Two tugs were dispatched to the scene to help refloat the bulk carrier. The Unites States and Canadian Coast Guard were on scene monitoring the situation. Authorities are conducting an investigation into the incident.
