The 72 meter long, 1964 dwt tanker Yara Gas II suffered a fire in the Gulf of Finland near Helsinki, Finland. The Yara Gas II was headed to Porvoo in ballast when a fire broke out in the engine room. The crew quickly responded and was able to extinguish the blaze. The Coast Guard dispatched a patrol boat and rescue helicopter to the scene. Reports state the vessel had drifted into Estonian waters and has dropped anchor. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
The 65 meter long self-propelled sand barge Henjor allided with a bridge over the Nieuwe Maas River near Maassluis, Netherlands. The Henjor was trying to enter the inner port when the bridge was lowered too early striking the stern of the vessel. The Henjor suffered damage to its crane and deck equipment while the bridge suffered minor damage. No reports of injuries or pollution released. Reports state the bridge was closed until it can be inspected.
After 18 months lying on it’s side, the Coast Concordia is slowing sinking further into the sea. Reports state there is concern the cruise ship may collapse under its own weight. Weakened by the grounding while rust eats away at the steel hull, the vessel has compressed some 3 meters. Recent inspections have found the bow has dropped deeper into the water. Plans to remove the vessel has been stalled by harsh sea conditions, but the salvage company has announce they would have one chance to pull the vessel upright and float it away sometime mid-September. The salvage team would use multiple cranes slowly lifting the Costa Concordia over a 12 hour period.
Another note: The salvage operation extracted 96 tons of granite from the 70-meter long gash along the Concordia’s hull.
