The 158 meter long, 14230 dwt container ship Beatriz B became disabled off Santa Cruz de La Palma, Canaries Islands. The Beatriz B had suffered engine failure and went adrift. A tug was dispatched to the scene and took the Beatriz B under tow. A short time later the crew was able to make repairs and restored power. The Beatriz B proceeded to the port of Santa Cruz de La Palma under tug escort. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
The 68 meter long ro-ro passenger ferry Martha’s Vineyard became disabled off East Chop, Massachusetts. The ferry had just started its voyage to Woods Hole with 72 passengers and 14 crew when it suffered a power blackout. Adrift, the Martha’s Vineyard dropped anchor for 5 hours. Three tugs arrived on scene and escorted the ferry back to Vineyard Haven Harbor. No reports of injuries.
Reports state the Martha’s Vineyard had recently been refurbished and the ferry will undergo trials to determine the cause of the engine failure.
On March 13, the 50 meter long, 581 gt supply vessel Leigh River sank in the Gulf of Mexico some 55 miles off Veracruz, Mexico. The vessel had sprung a leak in the engine room which overwhelmed the Leigh River’s pumps. Unable to control the flooding, the crew sent out a distress call. Authorities dispatched a helicopter to the scene while the 190 meter long bulk carrier Sredna Gora diverted to the scene. The helicopter arrived to find all eight crew of the Leigh River safely abandon ship and transfer over to the Sredna Gora. No reports of injuries.
Reports state the Leigh River later sank. No further details reported.