Browsed by
Month: May 2017

Zircone

Zircone

Zircone

The 125 meter long, 8000 dwt tanker Zircone caught fire in the Gulf of Riga near Riga, Latvia. The Zircone had departed from Riga with 7,000 tons of diesel fuel on board when a fire broke out in the vessel’s engine room. The fire grew in intensity and quickly disabled the vessel. Latvian authorities dispatched a helicopter along with several patrol boats to the scene. They found the tanker adrift with the crew on board fighting the fire. The crew eventually was able to bring the fire under control a few hours later. No reports of injuries to the 17 crew on board.

A tug later towed the Zircone back to Riga. The tanker moored at the Riga Shipyard where it will undergo repairs. No reports of pollution released.

Graestone Express

Graestone Express

Vicksburg Mississippi Bridges
Photo: Shipwrecklog.com

On May 23, the 52 meter long towboat Graestone Express allided with a bridge on the Mississippi River near Vicksburg, Mississippi. The towboat was pushing 14 barges loaded with coal or grain when it struck the bridge. Some 11 barges broke loose, but later corralled onto the nearby riverbank. No reports of injuries.

Traffic was halted over the bridge and and all nearby vessel traffic on the river. Inspectors found the bridge to be safe. All traffic resumed after a few hours. No reports of damage or pollution released.

Neptun AS 202

Neptun AS 202

Neptun AS202
Photo: Thyborøn DSRS

The 49 meter long fishing vessel Neptun AS 202 became disabled in the North Sea off Thyborøn, Denmark. The trawler had gone adrift after suffering engine failure. The crew alerted authorities who dispatched a DSRS lifeboat to the scene. The lifeboat took the Neptun under tow and returned to port a few hours later. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.