April, 2017 - Shipwreck Log

On March 5, the 131 foot long, 622 gt towboat Mike A. Nadicksbernd struck the Lock and Dam 52 on the Ohio River a few miles downstream from Brookport, Illinois. The Mike A. Nadicksbernd was pushing 20 barges, 19 empty and one loaded with steel rods, when strong winds caused the towboat to allide with the Lock and Dam. The strong current cause the towboat to become pinned against the lock wall. The towboat sustained water ingress in the engine room and developed a small list to port.

The Coast Guard dispatched a response boat to the scene. No reports of injuries. The Mike A. Nadicksbernd has some 47,000 gallons of diesel fuel on board, but no signs of pollution being released.

Juan Y Virgilio

April 6, 2017 Paul Hancock

On April 4, the 22 meter long fishing vessel Juan Y Virgilio became disabled in the Balearic Sea near Palamos, Spain. The Juan Y Virgilio went adrift after a net got caught in the propeller. The crew requested assistance from the Salvamento Maritimo which dispatched a lifeboat to the scene. The lifeboat Salvamar Sirius took the fishing vessel under tow and proceeded to Palamos. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.

MSC Daniela

April 5, 2017 Paul Hancock

The 366 meter long, 162,867 dwt container ship MSC Daniela caught fire in the Indian Ocean 120 miles off Colombo, Sri Lanka. The MSC Daniela was en route to Suez Canal from Singapore when a fire started in one of the containers in the aft section. The fire quickly grew and engulfed more containers. Unable to contain the blaze, the vessel changed course and proceeded to an anchorage off Colombo.

Four vessels from the Sri Lanka Navy and 2 vessels from the Indian Navy were dispatched to the scene to assist. Tugs from the Sri Lanka Ports Authority also assisted in firefighting efforts. The Sri Lankan Air Force also dispatched a helicopter with a bambi bucket to assist.

No reports of injuries. Early reports from April 5 state the fire continues to burn.

Update 1

The fire was brought under control at approximately 0630 hrs local time on Wednesday 5th April.

MSC is currently in discussion with the local authorities to berth the vessel at the appropriate time. Once the ship is considered safe, an investigation into the cause of the fire will be formally initiated.

The extent of the damage and cargo losses will not be known until the vessel has safely berthed and has undergone a thorough inspection.