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Month: October 2014

Ocean Researcher V

Ocean Researcher V

Ocean Researcher V
Photo: Taiwan Coast Guard

On October 10, the 73 meter long, 2,700 ton research vessel Ocean Researcher V ran aground and sank off Penghu Islands, Taiwan. The Ocean Researcher V departed October 5 from Tainan City for an eight day research expedition with 27 researchers and 18 crew. On October 10, the Ocean Researcher V was seeking shelter from Typhoon Vangfong when it ran aground onto a reef near Penghu Islands. The vessel sustained hull damage with water ingress.  The vessel lost power and was sinking.  The crew  quickly sent out a distress call.

Ocean Researcher V
Photo: Taiwan Ministry

Authorities dispatched two navy vessels and four patrol boats from the Coast Guard. A helicopter was dispatched and attempted to airlift the people off the research vessel, but large waves snapped the cable holding  the cage.   The 45 people on board put on life jackets and abandoned ship.  Some were able to climb into rubber life rafts while others jumped into the sea.

Rescuers pulled 43 survivors which 25 had suffered injuries. Two bodies were also recovered.  Reports state the two who perished were researchers including the head researcher leading the expedition.

Reports state the ministry who owns the vessel will attempt to salvage the research vessel.  The Ocean Researcher V cost $48 million (US) to build in 2013.

Port Botany Collision

Port Botany Collision

Photo: smh.com.au

Photo: smh.com.au

On October 14, The 292 meter long, 61407 dwt container ship Safmarine Makutu, the 276 meter long, 67637 dwt container ship OOCL Hong Kong and the 294 meter long, 65815 dwt container ship Kiel Express collided in Port Botany, Australia. The three vessels were berthed with standard mooring lines.  During the night, a severe storm struck the port with winds reaching 126 km per hour. The Kiel Express moorings snapped and was blown from its berth.  The Kiel Express cut the moorings of the OOCL Hong Kong  allowing it to drift free as well. The OOCL Hong Kong sustained damage to its stern when it’s hull was punctured by the bollards on the quay. The Kiel Express continued to be pushed by the strong winds when it’s stern struck the Safmarine Makutu. The Kiel Express swung around and then collided side-to-side against the Makutu. Six tugboats responded to the situation and were eventually able to get all three container ships under control.  One tug became disabled by the loose mooring lines of the OOCL Hong Kong.  No reports of injuries or pollution released. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority has launched an investigation into the incident.

Simushir

Simushir

Container Ship Simushir Adrift off Canada
Photo: Maritime Forces Pacific

The 134 meter long container ship  Simushir became disabled off Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands), Canada. The vessel had lost power and had gone adrift.  The Simushir was just 14 kilometers off shore in bad conditions with waves reaching 4 metres in height.

Container Ship Simushir Adrift off Canada
Photo: Maritime Forces Pacific

The crew contacted authorities who dispatched vessels to the scene.  The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Spar and Canadian Coast Guard vessel Sir Wilfrid Laurier arrived on scene, but were not equipped to tow the Simushir to away from shore.   Another Canadian Coast Guard vessel Gordon Reid arrived a short time later and was equipped to tow the container ship.  The Reid attempted to attached lines to the Simushir, but each time the line snapped.  After the third attempt, the Gordon Reid halted further attempts.  The Simushir had shifted location and was an additional 30 kilometers further away from shore.

The tug Barbara Foss was requested and was reported to be heading to the scene to take the Simushir under tow. Reports state the Simushir was carrying 268 containers with mining equipment from Everett, Washington bound for Russia.  No reports of injuries to the 10 crew on board.

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