On June 23, the 28 meter long tugboat Yarkii ran aground on the Volgo-Balt Canal near Krokhino, Russia. The Yarkii was towing the tanker-barge Baltika-3 when strong winds blew the tug off course and ran aground. The Yarkii sustained damaged and was holed on the port hull. No reports of injuries. Reports state authorities dispatched a vessel to the scene.
The 183 meter long, 37500 dwt tanker Bow Jubail allided with a pier at Rotterdam, Netherlands. The Bow Jubail had a pilot on board and was being escorted by a tug when it struck the jetty against the starboard hull. The hull was breached rupturing the bunker tanks. Some 217 tons of fuel oil spilt out of the Bow Jubail into the harbor. No reports of injuries to the 29 crew on board.
Authorities dispatched harbor vessels and fire boats to the scene to contain the pollution. Booms were placed to help contain some of the oil, but reports state the pollution may impact shorelines. Several reports state wildlife including birds were found to be coated by oil. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
The 63 foot long fishing vessel Challenger Traveler caught fire near St. John’s, Canada. The vessel sent out a distress call before the four crew on board donned immersion suits and abandoned ship into the vessel’s life raft. Two coast guard vessels and nearby fishing vessels responded to the call. The crew waited two hours before rescuers found them. All four were rescued and returned to port on the fishing vessel Atlantic Bandit. No report of injuries.
The fire consumed the Challenger Traveler until it burnt to the water’s edge and the vessel sank. Authorities stated there was some oil sheen visible where the fishing vessel sank.