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Month: December 2015

Royal 16

Royal 16

On December 13, the 91 meter long, 5610 dwt bulk carrier Royal 16 ran aground off Legazpi, Philippines. The Royal 16 had been at anchor in the bay when strong winds and large waves struck from the passing Typhoon (Melor) Nona.  The strong wind caused the anchors to drag and the bulk carrier was blown towards the shore. The Royal 16 went aground on a coral reef only 50 meters off the shore.  No reports of injuries.  The Philippine Coast Guard has stated there has been damage to the coral reef.  An investigation into the incident has been launched.

Jinlong 7

Jinlong 7

The 86 meter long cargo vessel Jinlong 7 caught fire in the East China Sea near Jeju Island, South Korea. The Jinlong 7 was en route to Shanghai from Rajun with a cargo of 1200 tons of timber when a fire broke out in the engine room.  The crew was able to extinguish the blaze before help had time to arrive. The fire disabled the vessel and it was towed to Seogwipo, Jeju island for repairs. Reports state the fire was started by a broken fuel pipe.

Towboat Collision off Memphis

Towboat Collision off Memphis

William E Strait
Photo: msnewsnow.com

The 33 meter long towboat Margaret Ann and the 67 meter long towboat William E. Strait collided on the Mississippi River near Memphis, Tennessee. The two towboats were attempting to pass each other when  they collided near the Interstate 55 bridge.  The William E. Strait sustained hull damage and water ingress and sank near the riverbank in 20 feet of water. The Coast Guard dispatched a vessel to the scene to monitor the situation. Divers and a clean-up crew arrived on scene and barriers were placed around the towboat to contain any pollution released. A sheen was reported around the William E. Strait as some fuel has been released.  No details reported on the status of the Margaret Ann.  No injuries were reported.