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Day: November 7, 2024

Gorinchem VIII

Gorinchem VIII

Gorinchem VIII
Photo: gelderlander.nl

On the early morning of November 6, the 36 meter long passenger ferry Gorinchem VIII (MMSI: 244750275) caught fire on the Merwede River while berthed at a quay in Gorkum, Netherlands. Just before its first voyage of the day, the ferry crew found smoke coming out of the front hatch of the vessel. The local fire brigade arrived on scene with three fire engines. Firefighters were quickly able to extinguish the fire and help ventilate the smoke afterwards. Reports state the fire was started by a short circuit in one of the vessel’s battery chargers.

Another ferry was brought into service while the Gorinchem VIII could be cleaned.  The ferry was expected to be back into service later the same day. No reports of injuries or pollution released.

 

Odyssey FR70

Odyssey FR70

Odyssey FR70

On the morning of October 29, the 23 meter long, 140 gt fishing vessel Odyssey FR70 (IMO: 8644876) sank in the North Sea some 140 miles east of the Firth of Forth, Scotland. Authorities and nearby fishing vessels were alerted when the Odyssey‘s EPIRB distress beacon had been activated. Authorities launched a fixed-wing aircraft and sent out broadcasts to nearby fishing vessels to begin a search and rescue for the crew of the Odyssey.  Fortunately, a nearby fishing vessel found all six crew of the Odyssey safe in a life raft. No reports of injuries.

Odyssey FR70

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. The cause of the sinking was not disclosed. The status of the investigation by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch can be viewed here.