July 18, 2014 – Shipwreck Log

The 77 meter long, 538 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry St. Helen had a car deck collapse while berthed at the Fishbourne terminal, Isle of Wight. The St. Helen had departed on a scheduled voyage from Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight with 181 passengers and 11 crew. As passengers disembarked, the mezzanine deck was being lowered with 9 vehicles when it collapsed onto the main deck. Three passengers and 1 crewman suffered injuries and were taken to hospital. The cause of the collapse was not reported, but a full investigation into the incident has been launched by the MAIB (Marine Accident Investigation Branch).

4 hurt in car ferry deck collapse Four people are being treated in hospital after… (belfasttelegraph.co.uk)
Four treated in hospital after upper deck of Isle of Wight car ferry collapsed on to level below as passengers disembarked (dailymail.co.uk)

Amakusa Island

July 18, 2014 Paul Hancock

On July 14, the 228 meter long, 81887 dwt bulk carrier Amakusa Island ran aground at Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada. The Amakusa Island had departed from the Ridley Island Port dock with 80,000 tons of coal proceeding to a nearby anchorage when it grounded. The vessel suffered hull damage and reported water ingress flooding two buoyancy compartments. The Amakusa Island quickly developed a small list after the grounding, but was in no danger of sinking. The Coast Guard responded to the scene and assessed the situation. Tugs were requested and arrived on the scene a short time later. At high tide, the tugs were able to refloat the Amakusa Island and proceeded to a nearby anchorage. No reports of injuries or pollution released. Damage to the hull prevents the Amakusa Island to depart from Prince Rupert. No reports if repairs will be done in situ or at a berth in Prince Rupert. The Canadian Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation into the cause of the incident.