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Month: September 2025

Tafra 3

Tafra 3

Tafra 3
Photo: farodevigo.es

On September 12, the 31 meter long, 402 gt fishing vessel Tafra 3 (IMO: 9238727) was in a collision with the 104.5 meter long, 1810 dwt fishing vessel Right Whale (IMO: 8228543) on the Atlantic Ocean off Mauritania. The Tafra 3 was fishing with a trawl astern when it was struck amidships by the Right Whale. The Right Whale sliced into starboard hull of the Tafra 3 leaving a massive hole from the main deck down to below the waterline.  The fishing vessels only remained together for a few minutes before they drifted apart. The Tafra 3 quickly listed over to starboard before it sank by the stern in just in a few minutes.

The crew on the Tafra 3 had no time to launch life rafts, but many were able to don life jackets before the fishing vessel sank. Reports state that 21 survivors were pulled from the water. One crew member had sustained an injury to his head. Five crew members were reported as missing.

A large scale search and rescue operation searched for the missing crew members continued for several days, but was not successful. An investigation has been launched into the incident. Preliminary reports state the incident occurred in calm seas and clear weather. Authorities have stated the Tafra 3 is resting in 50 meters of water. A news report states that the master of the Right Whale has be detained.

 

Shandong Xin Ze

Shandong Xin Ze

Shandong Xin Ze
Photo: dataportuaria.ar

On the evening of September 14, the 229 meter long, 82165 dwt bulk carrier Shandong Xin Ze (IMO: 1026570) ran aground in the South Atlantic Ocean off  the coast of São Paulo, Brazil. The Shandong Xin Ze had suffered a power blackout while entering the port of Santos with its cargo of fertilizers. Unable to restore power, the bulk carrier drifted out of the channel and ran aground.  Traffic was temporarily halted for several hours while 2 tugs assisted Shandong Xin Ze to anchor outside the channel to avoid running into shallow waters. There were no reports of injuries, damage or pollution released. Port authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

Niki

Niki

Niki
Photo: Italian Coast Guard

On the morning of September 11, the 41 meter long, 393 dwt cargo vessel Niki (IMO: 9100968) ran aground on the Mediterranean Sea off Porticello, Sicily. The Niki had departed from Porticello bound for Ténès with a cargo of sea bream when it ran up on the Formica rocks. The cargo vessel sustained hull damage with a 1 meter gash resulting in water ingress, but there were no reports of injuries to the 8 crew on board.

Authorities deployed patrol vessels to the scene. A response team brought dewatering pumps to control the flooding. Divers were able to complete temporary repairs and plug the leaks and refloated the vessel. Reports state the Niki was escorted back to port. The Italian Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.