On October 5, the 54 meter long dredge Prins 4 capsized and sank in the port of Flamanville, France. The foot anchor had become wedged during the ebb tide causing the Prins 4 to heel over onto its port side. No reports of injuries. A slick formed around the Prins 4 as diesel fuel leaked out from tanks on the dredge. Authorities placed a boom around the vessel to contain the pollution. Reports state several thousand gallons spilled out from the Prins 4.
On October 3, the 60 foot long fishing boat The Sakonnet Lobster sank off Block Island, Rhode Island. The Sakonnet Lobster was fishing for lobsters when the crew discovered the vessel had sprung a leak. The crew sent out a distress call and requested assistance. The Coast Guard dispatched a helicopter along with the 87 foot long cutter Chinook to the scene. The four crew on the Sakonnet Lobster donned survival suits and abandoned ship. Twenty minutes later the Coast Guard helicopter arrived and hoisted the men from the sea to safety. No reports of injuries. The Sakonnet Lobster sank in 250 feet of water. Reports state the vessel’s location was recorded to allow the vessel to be salvaged.
On October 1, the 100 meter long tanker Aksaz C became disabled in the Atlantic Ocean off Brest, France. The Aksaz C was en route to Pembroke from Las Palmas with 3,000 tons of vegetable oil when it had suffered engine failure. The tanker went adrift and requested assistance. A tug arrived later the same day and towed the Aksaz C to Brest. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.