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Month: June 2025

Collision on Western Scheldt

Collision on Western Scheldt

Beringzee
Photo: KNRM

On the afternoon of May 30, the 170 meter long container ship Containerships Nord (IMO: 9813993) collided with the 110 meter long self-propelled tanker-barge Beringzee (MMSI: 205508590) on the Western Scheldt near Paal, Netherlands. The two vessels had departed from Antwerp when the Containerships Nord struck the stern of the Beringzee.  The Beringzee sustained significant hull damage to the starboard section of the stern with the wheelhouse and living quarters suffering water ingress.

One Beringzee crew member fell overboard and sustained serious injuries. The crew member was transferred to a police boat and later airlifted by helicopter to hospital. There were no reports of injuries or damage to the Containerships Nord.

To keep the the damaged Beringzee afloat, the two self propelled barges the 80 meter long Kevalia (MMSI: 226001810) and 110 meter long Verity (MMSI: 205383490) came to the aid and help stabilized the tanker-barge. Authorities have placed oil booms around the Beringzee as some oil pollution could be seen around the vessel. Reports state two tugs took the Beringzee under tow on May 31 and proceeded to Terneuzen.  The Containerships Nord proceeded under its own power to Flushing where it was inspected. The incident is being investigated by authorities.

 

Ron Jeremy

Ron Jeremy

Ron Jeremy

On the early morning of June 1, the 25 meter long tugboat Ron Jeremy (MMSI: 265587130) sank in Bothnian Bay south of Rödkallen Lighthouse near Piteå, Sweden. The tugboat was towing a barge loaded with timber when the tugboat suffered uncontrolled water ingress. The four crew members on board were unable to contain the flooding and were forced to abandon ship. Three of the crew were able to reach the barge and contact authorities. A SRS rescue boat arrived on site and rescued the three crew members. All three suffered from hypothermia and suffered minor injuries. The crew were later taken to hospital for treatment.  Authorities launched a search and rescue operation for the missing crew member. Multiple SRS vessels aided by two pilot boats and aircraft from the Swedish Coast Guard and one from Finland searched the area.  After several hours of searching the area, authorities were not able to find the missing crew member.

Ron Jeremy
Photo: sjofartstidningen.se

The Swedish Coast Guard reported seeing a small sheen of oil pollution over where the tugboat sank. Reports state the tug sank in 4o meters of water and divers were being sent to help close vents to prevent further fuel being released. The amount of fuel released from the Ron Jeremy has not been disclosed, but authorities have stated it should not have any environmental impact to the nearby shorelines. There are approximately 5,000 litres of diesel fuel still onboard the wreck. The incident is under investigation by the Swedish police.

 

Meshka

Meshka

Meshka
Photo: Swedish Coast Guard

On May 31, the 180 meter long, 35829 dwt bulk carrier Meshka (IMO: 9588380)  ran aground in the Öresund near Landskrona, Sweden.  The Meshka was proceeding to Vysotsk from Skagen in ballast when it proceeded to be off course. Authorities alerted the vessel was on the wrong course, but the vessel didn’t change course before it grounded.  The Swedish Coast Guard responded with multiple vessels to the scene. The Coast Guard found the vessel was firmly aground on the sandy bottom and the bulk carrier had no significant hull damage from the incident and there were no injuries to the 24 crew members on board.

Authorities quickly launched an investigation into the grounding. The Coast Guard questioned the crew and checked for any crew member being intoxicated which all returned negative. Reports state the crew of the Meshka was warned it was off course and had enough time to avoid going aground. Either the crew ignored the urgency to change course or failed to complete any maneuvers before it was too late. Swedish Prosecutors are looking into negligence and if criminal charges will be issued to the crew.

The owners of the Meshka have been asked to provide a salvage plan that would be approved by the Coast Guard and Swedish authorities. The Coast Guard has stated they will monitor the vessel for any potential pollution and contain it. The Meshka had some 938 tons of fuel oil in its tanks at the time of the incident.