The 35 meter long fishing vessel Calypso Z84 caught fire while fishing in the Bay of Biscay near La Rochelle, France. The fire started in an electrical panel in the engine room. The crew responded quickly and extinguished the blaze, but the fire damaged the trawler’s generator. The crew made some temporary repairs to restore power and allow the vessel to pull in its nets. No reports of injuries to the 5 crew on board. Authorities dispatched a team to the trawler who evaluated the Calypso Z84 condition. After the inspection, the trawler was found to be seaworthy enough to proceed on to its journey back to Belgium.
The 115 meter long, 3340 dwt cargo vessel Amur 2507 ran aground on the Don River near Shmat, Russia. The Amur 2507 was en route to Samsun, Turkey from Rostov-on-Don with a cargo of wheat when it grounded on the river. Tugs were dispatched to the scene, but were unable to refloat the cargo vessel. Indications suggest the Amur 2507 will need to be lightered before it can be refloated. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
The 82 meter long, 361 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry Tallink Autoexpress 2 sank in Bay of Pozuelos at Puerto la Cruz, Venezuela. The ferry had been laid up in port for several years after a fracture was found in the hull. The ferry had no power on board and depended on power provided by the pier to keep the vessel’s pumps working. Reports state the power was removed eight months ago and the vessel had no working pumps.
On August 4, the two people watching the Tallink Autoexpress 2 reported the vessel had suffered water ingress and the water levels were rising inside the vessel. The owners dispatched a pump to the scene, but the single pump was unable to keep up with the flooding.
Photo: elpitazo.com
By August 7, the Tallink Autoexpress 2 had sunk by the stern. Reports state pollution was released as the Tallink Autoexpress 2 had some 40,000 litres of diesel fuel in its tanks. Authorities placed barriers around the hull and absorbent pads to collect the fuel spill.
This is the third ro-ro passenger ferry to sink near Puerto la Cruz since 2010. The Mrs. Juana sank in 2010 and the Carmen Ernestina sank in 2016. Four other ferries are berthed in Puerto la Cruz waiting to be scrapped.
