On the morning of January 11, a fire broke out on the 225 meter long, 75399 dwt bulk carrier Avax (IMO: 928312) in the Irish Sea while berthed at Ringaskiddy, Ireland. Reports state the fire started by a fault with a piece of cargo handling equipment. The local fire brigades from Carrigaline and Crosshaven were able to contain the blaze. No reports of injuries. No details to extent of damage to the cargo or to the bulk carrier. The Avax had arrived at Ringaskiddy from Liverpool on January 6.
On the night of October 8, the 623 foot long, 50259 dwt bulk carrier Algoma Verity (IMO: 9183776) ran aground on the Delaware River off Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Algoma Verity had departed from Philadelphia en route upstream to the port of Fairless Hills with 45,000 tons of solar (water softening) salt when it veered outside the navigation channel and went aground. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
The United States Coast Guard is monitoring the situation. Vessel traffic was restricted near the the grounded vessel. The Coast Guard is working on plans to refloat the Algoma Verity and tow it to a nearby terminal where it would undergo inspection.
On the early morning of December 28, the 95 meter long towboat Aries (MMSI: 244730412) allided with the Spannenburg Bridge over the Prinses Margrietkanaal in Spannenburg, Netherlands. The towboat was attempting to pass under the bridge when it struck the bridge damaging both the vessel and bridge. The Aries wheelhouse was demolished from the allision preventing the vessel to proceed under its own power.
The bridge also sustained damage to its nets and lighting. Authorities stopped canal traffic near the bridge while emergency repairs could be completed. Reports state the Aries wheelhouse may not have been lowered enough to pass under the bridge. No details reported if there were any injuries or pollution released. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
