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Month: July 2017

Hsiang Fuh No. 6

Hsiang Fuh No. 6

Hsiang Fuh No. 6
Photo: SAMSA

The 46 meter long, 489 gt fishing vessel Hsiang Fuh No. 6 caught fire in the Indian Ocean some 736 kilometers off Durban South Africa. The blaze could not be contained and the crew sent out a distress call before all 30 persons on board abandoned ship into the vessel’s two life rafts.

The message was relayed to the South African Maritime Safety Authority who notified nearby vessels. The container ship Ever Diadem, bulk carrier Hampton Bay and bulk carrier SBI Antares responded.  Sixteen crew were rescued by the Ever Diadem while 14 were picked up by the SBI Antares. Both vessels proceded  to Durban with the survivors. One crew member had sustained serious burns.

Reports state the Hsiang Fuh No. 6 was last sighted still burning and afloat. Authorities have issued a navigation warning around the area.

Hsiang Fuh No. 6
Photo: wikipedia

 

Deceptive C

Deceptive C

Deceptive C
Photo: uscg

On July 2, the fishing vessel Deceptive C ran aground in the Stikine Strait near Wrangell, Alaska. The vessel had run hard aground and released some pollution. The Coast Guard diverted the Cutter Bailey Barco to the scene to monitor the situation. Authorities stated that pollution was minimal with only three gallons of oily bilge water had been released. No reports of injuries.

After a few days, authorities reported they were able to mitigate any further pollution. Using the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund, a firm was contracted to remove all the diesel fuel on board along with any hazardous materials. Reports state over 3,000 pounds of oil waste and debris was removed from the Deceptive C.

No reports if the fishing vessel will be salvaged.

 

 

Eric Haney

Eric Haney

Eric Haney
Photo: uscg

On July 9, the 48 meter long towboat Eric Haney sank on the Mississippi River near Cairo, Illinois. Reports state all 9 crew was able to evacuate safely when the vessel sank. The towboat had some 79,000 gallons of diesel fuel on board at the time of the sinking. Just after the sinking, a light sheen could be seen a short distance down river, but no further pollution was reported.

The Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit out of Paducah, Kentucky were dispatched to the scene to conduct an initial assessment. Authorities have deployed a boom around the vessel to contain any pollution that may be released. A salvage plan to pull the towboat out of the river is being worked on.

The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.