The 190 meter long, 56969 dwt bulk freighter Arizona went aground at St. Petersburg, Russia. The Arizona was departing the port bound for Houston with a cargo of steel when it struck bottom. The freighter’s draft had increased unexpectedly due to ice forming on vessel’s keel. Four tugs were attempted to refloat the vessel, but failed to do so. No reports of injuries or pollution being released. Divers have been requested to inspect the hull for any damage.
Two vessels found themselves trapped in a severe storm at the Black Sea port of Samsun, Turkey. The 140 meter long, 6628 dwt freighter Feruz was at anchor when the storm caused it’s anchors to drag. The vessel went ashore against the breakwater and the hull was damaged. The 16 crew on board were able to safely get ashore. The 70 meter long, 1580 dwt coastal freighter Hay K also went ashore nearby during the storm. No reports of injuries. Reports state that waves reached up to 20 meters in height.
The 88 meter long, 2734 dwt freighter Alaca 1 was crushed by ice in the Azov Sea near Kirillovka. The Alaca 1 became stuck in the ice while heading to Rostov-on-Don from Kerch and requested assistance from an icebreaker. While waiting for the icebreaker, the ice punctured the hull allowing water ingress. The crew of 12 on board abandoned the vessel and went onto the ice. When contact was lost with the Alaca 1, authorities dispatched a helicopter to the scene. The helicopter found the men and were able to safely rescue them. The crew were taken to Simferopol, Ukraine. No reports of injuries. The Alaca 1 was lasted reported drifting with the ice. Authorities are not certain if the freighter will roll over and sink or remain afloat. No details about the cargo or the amount of fuel on board.
