Browsed by
Day: September 29, 2014

Boxships Collide off Port Said

Boxships Collide off Port Said

Columbo Express
Photo: vesseltracker.com

The 336 meter long container ship Colombo Express collided with the 332 meter long container ship Maersk Tanjong in the Suez Canal near Port Said, Egypt.  The Colombo Express was attempting to overtake the Maersk Tanjong  when it lost rudder control and swung hard to port striking the starboard stern of the Tanjong.  The  port side of the Colombo Express’s bow sustained a 20 meter dent and three containers fell overboard.  One container was later recovered. No reports of injuries or pollution released.  Both vessels proceeded to the canal lakes for repairs while authorities conduct an investigation into the incident.


Wasa Express

Wasa Express

Wasa Express
Photo: shipspotting.com

The 141 meter long ro-ro passenger ferry Wasa Express caught fire in Vaasa, Finland. The fire started in an electrical panel in the engine room.  The crew was able to contain the fire and extinguish the blaze before the local fire brigade arrived.  One crewman suffered some smoke inhalation, but did not require to be taken to hospital. The ferry was pulled from service to allow  for an investigation into incident. No reports of pollution released.

Pride of Canterbury

Pride of Canterbury

Pride of Canterbury
Photo: dailymail.co.uk

The 180 meter long, 7509 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry Pride of Canterbury caught fire off Calais, France. The Pride of Canterbury departed on a regular scheduled crossing of the English Channel with 337 passengers and 119 crew from Dover, England.  A fire broke out in the engine room releasing a dense black flume of toxic smoke. Passengers had difficulty breathing as ash fell on the deck. The sprinkler system was able to extinguish the blaze some 20 minutes later.  No reports of injuries to passengers or crew. The Pride of Canterbury was pulled from service to be inspected for damage.  Reports state the fire started in the vessel’s starboard engine.