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Month: March 2018

Sirius Høj

Sirius Høj

Sirius Høj
Photo: tv2fyn.dk

On March 10, the 24 meter long, 119 dwt hopper dredger Sirius Høj capsized and sank outside the harbor at Bogense, Denmark. The Sirius Høj had lost stability when it made a turn to starboard. The dredger had its load shift and the vessel capsized on its port hull.  The two crew on board were thrown into the icy water, but were able to climb up on the overturn hull.  Authorities were alerted and dispatched a rescue helicopter to the scene.  The helicopter arrived a short time later, but found the two crew had already been rescued by a small private vessel. The crew was taken to hospital, but no reports of injuries.

A response team was dispatched and monitored the Sirius Høj for any release of pollution.  A salvage crane arrived the next day and righted the Sirius Høj. The Sirius Høj was towed back into Bogense harbor to a shipyard for repairs.

Hai Ha 18

Hai Ha 18

Hai Ha 18
Photo: tuoitre.vn

The 59 meter long, 948 dwt tanker Hai Ha 18 suffered an explosion while berthed at Hai Phong, Vietnam.  The Hai Ha 18 had been loaded with 900 tons of gasoline when a fuel pump transferring the fuel malfunctioned causing an explosion.  A huge fireball erupted from the starboard tank and dense smoke filled the sky.  Local authorities dispatched up to 400 firefighters and 15 fire trucks while two vessels attempted to douse the flames.  Fearing the fire would get out of control authorities requested the Hai Ha 18 to be taken under tow away from nearby vessels and buildings. Nearby residents were told to be prepared to evacuate if the fire couldn’t be contained. After several hours, the fire was eventually brought under control.

Damage to the starboard hull was severe with part of the hull collapsed by the intense heat of the fire.  Booms were placed around the vessel in case the hull ruptures. The Hai Ha 18 still had some gasoline in its cargo tanks after the fire which will be pumped out. No reports of any deaths from the explosion or fire.

Ms Nancy C

Ms Nancy C

Ms Nancy C
Photo: uscg

On March 7, the 64 foot long towboat Ms Nancy C sank in Everett Lake (Mississippi River) near Dyersburg, Tennessee. The Ms Nancy C was preparing a tow when it sprung a leak in the stern. The crew started the pumps and determined another dewatering pump was needed. The crew went ashore to get another pump. When the crew returned, they found the Ms Nancy C had already partially sank by the stern.

The Coast Guard was alerted and booms were placed around the towboat. Reports state the Ms Nancy C had 3000 gallons of diesel fuel on board. The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.