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Month: June 2016

Masaccio

Masaccio

Masaccio
Photo: gazzettadelsud.it

On June 16, the 31 meter long, 21 dwt high-speed ferry Masaccio allided with a pier at Stromboli, Italy. The Masaccio was approaching the pier when strong winds caused the vessel to slam against the pier damaging one of the starboard hydrofoils wings. The bow of the ferry swung under the pier and became wedged underneath causing the Masaccio to partially sink. The 117 passengers and six crew were able to evacuate the vessel assisted by local islanders.Reports state many passengers were frightened by the incident, but no reports of injuries. Reports state the fuel was removed from the Masaccio and that refloating operations had already begun. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

 

 

Ursa Major

Ursa Major

Ursa Major
Photo: Italian Coast Guard

The 46 meter long, 556 dwt towboat Ursa Major caught fire off Gioia Tauro, Italy. The Ursa Major was pushing a barge loaded with miscellaneous cargo from Taranto to Genoa when the fire broke out in the towboat. The crew requested assistance as the Ursa Major had been disabled by the fire and went adrift.  Authorities received the distress call and dispatched an Italian coast guard patrol boat to the scene. The patrol boat arrived with firefighters who were able to extinguish the blaze a short time later. No reports of injuries to the 13 crew on board.  No reports of pollution released.

Benita

Benita

Benita

The 182 meter long, 44183 dwt bulk carrier Benita ran ashore south of Mahebourg, Mauritius.  The Benita was en route to Durban, South Africa from India in ballast when a brawl broke out between the chief engineer and another engineer on board the vessel. What has exactly happened is unclear, but reports state that the main engine was shutdown during the fight. The disabled bulk carrier continued to drift until it went hard aground on the rocky shoreline. Reports state that one crewman was flown to a local hospital for treatment. Booms were placed around the vessel in case any of the 125 tons of fuel oil is released. Authorities reported that the bulk carrier was hard aground and requires more than one tug to refloat. No word if any of the 23 crew of the Benita will be charged or fined for incidents on board the vessel.