February 2020 – Shipwreck Log

Guo Xing 1

February 29, 2020 Paul Hancock

The 87 meter long, 3600 dwt cargo vessel Guo Xing 1 collided with the 138 gt fishing vessel Daihachi Tomimaru off Tomari, Aomori, Japan. The Fishing vessel struck the Guo Xing 1 breaching the hull resulting in water ingress. The crew could not bring the flooding under control and the cargo vessel sank in 20 minutes. Only one of the 14 crew of the Guo Xing 1 has been rescued. A search and rescue operation was launched for the missing 13 crew. On the Daihachi Tomimaru one crew had a slight injury of the 15 on board. No reports of water ingress or pollution released from the fishing vessel. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

Nova

February 29, 2020 Paul Hancock

On February 27, the 38 foot tugboat Nova sank on the Columbia River near Umatilla, Oregon. The Nova had broken from its mooring by high winds and drifted nearly a mile before it sank just upriver of the McNary Dam. Authorities were alerted and dispatched a response team to the scene.

State and Federal authorities found where the Nova had sunk. Divers inspected the wreck and found a 1 meter gash in the hull. Fuel vents were closed, but the Nova had already released oil pollution into the water. A light sheen was visible above the sunken tug. Booms and absorbent pads were used to contain the pollution.

Reports state a barge and crane was dispatched to lift the tug from the river bottom. The Nova was later recovered a few days later and taken to Vancouver. No reports of injuries as no one was on board the Nova at the time of the incident.

Clavigo and Dede

February 28, 2020 Paul Hancock

On February 27, the 72 meter long cargo vessel Dede and the 88 meter long, 3735 dwt cargo vessel Clavigo ran aground in the Sea of Marmara off Tuzla, Turkey. The Clavigo had been at anchor when a storm with strong winds struck the area. The Clavigo‘s anchor to drag and the cargo vessel drifted towards shore when it struck the anchored Dede breaking its mooring. Both vessel drifted until they crashed against a breakwater near Tuzla.

The Dede, severely damaged by the allision, partially capsized on its starboard side suffering water ingress in the cargo holds. Its hull has multiple large gashes. The Clavigo sustained some hull damage with it a list on its starboard side. Both crews were safely rescued. No reports of injuries the 13 person on board.

Authorities state some pollution has been released by both vessels. Reports state fuel tanks have been ruptured when the cargo vessels ran aground. The Dede may not be salvaged, but scrapped on site whereas the Clavigo will be recovered.