December 2017 – Page 3 – Shipwreck Log

Collision at Weißenthurm

December 12, 2017 Paul Hancock

The 109 meter long self-propelled tanker-barge Viktoria Jaegers and the 110 meter long self-propelled tanker-barge Enjoy collided on the Rhine near Weißenthurm, Germany. The Viktoria Jaegers was en route to Karlsruhe from Rotterdam when it attempt to berth near the Enjoy. As the tanker barge passed the berthed Enjoy, the Enjoy’s mooring lines snapped. The Enjoy drifted away from the berth and collided with the Viktoria Jaegers and another tanker barge. All three vessels sustained minor damage with the Enjoy sustained dents to its bow. No reports of injuries or pollution released. Reports state the master of one of the tanker-barges was attempting to load a motor vehicle during the incident.

Moby Niki

December 11, 2017 Paul Hancock

Mobi Niki

The 119 meter long, 1198 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry Mobi Niki struck an obstruction near Isola Palmaiola, Italy. The Mobi Niki was en route to Portoferraio from Piombino with 138 passengers when it struck an unknown object in the water. The ferry sustained hull damage, but was able to continue on its voyage to Portoferraio. The ferry arrived in the port and was able to disembark all passengers and vehicles on board. No reports of injuires. Authorities placed booms around the hull while the Mobi Niki undergoes inspection. Authorities have also launched an investigation into the incident.

Pride of Kent

December 10, 2017 Paul Hancock

The 180 meter long, 7550 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry Pride of Kent ran aground at the port of Calais, France. The vessel was loaded with 208 passengers, 111 vehicles and 108 crew when it departed from the port of Calais bound for Dover. Conditions were poor with strong winds having gusts reach over 100 km/hour. When the ferry maneuvered out of the port, it allided with against a foot bridge due to the strong winds. Undamaged, the Pride of Kent continued on its voyage. A few minutes later strong wind gusts again slammed the ferry. Before the vessel could even leave the breakwater, the strong winds pushed the Pride of Kent off course and up onto a sandbank along the breakwater.

Authorities were alerted and three tugs were dispatched to the scene. The tugs tried multiple times to refloat the Pride of Kent, but the ferry refused to budge. Eventually after an hour of attempts, the Pride of Kent was pulled freed by the tugs and returned back to its berth. No reports of injuries. Passengers disembarked and the port was closed until weather conditions improved. No reports of pollution released.