The 22 meter long tugboat Sea Cypress ran aground the early morning hours of July 24. The tugboat had broken free from its mooring and it’s propeller became entangled. Disabled and near the shoreline, the Sea Cypress drifted until it ran up on a sandbar near Lavallette, New Jersey. The Sea Cypress remained aground until the afternoon. With the rising tide, two tugs were able to pull the Sea Cypress free. No reports of injuries to the four crew, damage or pollution released.
On July 24, the 21 meter long passenger ship Boramar caught fire off Illa da Toxa, Spain. A short time after the Boramar left port, the catamaran suffered an explosion and resulting fire. Within seconds flames consumed the vessel forcing all 48 passengers and three crew to jump into the sea. Nearby boaters responded to the scene and pulled the survivors from the water. Spanish authorities responded to the scene with fire fighters and ambulances. Two medical helicopters, patrol boats and fire fighting vessels arrived to provide aid to the survivors and help extinguish the fire.
Some 38 persons sustained injuries with a small number suffering from severe burns. Reports state five persons were taken to hospital for treatment. Reports state all 51 on board were accounted for and there were no fatalities. Reports state the Boramar superstructure and hull was completely destroyed before the fire was brought under control.
The cause of the explosion and fire is still under investigation. The Boramar had only been put into service a week ago. Some reports have stated the catamaran had struck a small flat-bottom boat resulting in an explosion. Others witnesses say the explosion and fire started near the galley on the Boramar which may have been caused by a rupture in a pressurized gas cylinder. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
