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Month: July 2015

Bliek

Bliek

Bliek
Photo: florian-zusa.de

On July 18, the 85 meter long self-propelled tanker-barge Bliek ran aground on the Elbe River near Tesperhude, Germany. The Bliek was en route to Hildesheim when it suffered engine failure after a technical malfunction. The current pulled the Bliek towards the shoreline until the Bliek struck the submerged remains of an old quay wall.  The Bliek requested assistance with it’s sister ship, Asterode, arriving several hours later.  The Asterode pulled the Bliek free and towed the damaged tanker to Scharnebeck.  No reports of injuries. Divers inspected the Bliek and found damage to the forepeak which had suffered some water ingress.  Authorities allowed the Bliek continue on its voyage.

AF Marina

AF Marina

AF Marina
Photo: newsmaritime.com

The 170 meter long, 6,550 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry AF Marina became disabled off Ancona, Italy. The ferry had departed from Ancona bound for Durres, Albania when it suffered engine failure a few meters from port. The crew were unable to restart the engines and the vessel requested assistance.  The AF Marina was towed back to port and was inspected by authorities.  No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.  The 527 passengers and their vehicles were transferred to another ferry.

Barge Collision off Galveston

Barge Collision off Galveston

Barges
Photo: khou.com

Two barges collided in the Intracoastal Waterway off Galveston, Texas. Two tugboats were pushing barges off the Bolivar Peninsula when one of the tugboats suffered a power blackout.  The barge being pushed by the disabled tug struck a second barge.  A barge was loaded with 3500 tonnes of naphtha caught fire.  Firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze four  hours later. No injuries reported. The Coast Guard has dispatched a team to the scene to check for any pollution released or environmental impact.  An investigation into the incident has been launched.


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