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Month: February 2017

Isla Bartolome

Isla Bartolome

Isla Bartolome
Photo: twitter

The 88 meter long, 3818 dwt cargo vessel Isla Bartolome ran aground off the coast of Isla Puna, Ecuador. The Isla Bartolome had departed from Guayaquil bound for the Galapagos Islands with 160 containers when it struck a reef. The vessel sustained multiple hull breaches allowing uncontrolled water ingress causing the vessel to develop a strong list to starboard. The crew of the Isla Bartolome sent out a distress call before abandoning ship as they feared the cargo vessel would capsize.

Authorities dispatched rescued boats and tugs to the scene. They found the Isla Bartolome in bad shape, but found the fuel tanks had not ruptured and no pollution in the water. No reports if the Isla Bartolome will be salvaged or scrapped.

The grounding of the Isla Bartolome has impacted the citizens living on the Galapagos Islands.  Authorities will airlift supplies and perishable food to the island.

Ro North

Ro North

Ro North
Photo: nrk.no

The 82 meter long fishing vessel Ro North ran aground off Roan in  South-Trøndelag, Norway. The Ro North had suffered engine failure and went adrift in a strong breeze.  The fish carrier was pushed by the wind up onto a nearby reef.

The crew of the Ro North were able to restart the engine, but need assistance in order to refloat the vessel.  They requested assistance with the nearby vessel Aqua Power responding.  When the Aqua Power arrived, the Ro North launched its tender to pass a towline over. The Aqua Power was able then to pull the Ro North off the reef.

Ro North
Photo: fosna-folket.no

One crewman of the Ro North sustained an injury during the salvage operation. He had been injured when a hawser line snapped and suffered several fractures. Authorities dispatched a helicopter to the scene and airlifted the injured crewman safely off the Ro North. He was later taken to hospital for treatment.

The Ro North proceeded to Bessaker where it will be inspected for damage. No reports of pollution released.

Tide Carrier Update

Tide Carrier Update

Tide Carrier
Photo: twitter

The barge carrier Tide Carrier was taken under tow today headed for Tysvær. Reports state the tugs were proceeding at  a speed of about four knots.  Estimates place the cost of keeping the Tide Carrier from running ashore around $500,000 USD.

News reports state the Norwegian shipping authority had found several problems on the Tide Carrier while it was in port last week at Høylandsbygd in Kvinnherad. The problems were significant enough that the vessel should have been detained in port until repairs were completed. No reports if any repairs were completed before the Tide Carrier left port. Inspectors will examine the vessel and determine if any further action will be taken.