The 37 meter long tug Cavalier XV sank on the Paraná River near San Cosme y Damián, Paraguay. The area was struck by a strong storm with large swells causing water ingress. The Cavalier XV’s engine room flooded and partially sank leaving only part of the superstructure above water. No reports of injuries. Authorities state there is some oil sheen around the wreck.
On January 3, the 321 meters long, 100003 dwt container ship Yantian Express caught fire in the Atlantic Ocean between Bermuda and Canada. The Yantian Express was en route to Halifax from Colombo, Sri Lanka when a fire started in one of the containers on the fore deck. Winds caused the fire to quickly spread to other containers on deck. The vessel changed course to reduce the winds as crew attempted to extinguish the blaze. The fire continued to spread as strong winds made it difficult to contain. The Yantian Express requested assistance with several salvage tugs responding.
On January 6, the salvage tug Smit Nicobar arrived on scene and began fire fighting efforts. The tug also evacuated 11 of the 23 crew off the Yantian Express. Reports state another tug had been dispatched from St. John’s to tow the Yantian Express to Halifax. No reports of injuries.
The owners of the Yantian Express provided an update stating the fire has spread from the deck to containers in Holds 1 and 2. Containers in Bay 1 to 24 have been damaged by fire, smoke, heat or by water in the fire fighting efforts. All reefer containers in the area impacted were turned off as a precaution.
Reports state there are three tugs assisting the Yantian Express. The container ship was taken under tow on January 16 to be towed to Halifax. Owners report that the fire was “widely” contained, but fire fighting efforts were still ongoing.
On January 2, the 308 foot long fishing carrier Ou Ya Leng No. 6 ran aground in the Marshall Islands on Taka Atoll. United States Coast Guard dispatched an aircraft to scene and found the crew was safe and no signs of pollution. Two fishing vessels were en route to help unload cargo from the Ou Ya Leng No. 6.
Reports state no injuries to the 24 crew. The incident is under investigation.
