The 176 meter long, 3498 dwt cruise passenger ship Astor allided with the pier at Melbourne, Australia. Strong winds pushed the Astor against the end of the pier. Tugs were dispatched and were able to stabilize the cruise ship. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released. Reports state wind gusts reached up to 100 km per hour.
The 105 meter long self-propelled barge Anthrazit ran aground on the Rhine near Ruhrort, Germany. The Anthrazit was proceeding in ballast only when it ran aground near the confluence with the Ruhr. The water police were contacted and has launched an investigation into the incident. The cause of the grounding was not disclosed. Reports state the Anthrazit is not blocking traffic and is no danger to other vessels. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
The Columbian naval tugboat ARC Pascual de Andagoya sank in the Pacific Ocean off the Columbian coast. The tug was in heavy seas when it suffered uncontrolled water ingress. The crew tried to keep the vessel afloat, but the vessel became waterlogged. The crew sent out a distress call and abandoned ship into the tug’s life rafts before the ARC Pascual de Andagoya sank.
The six crew were rescued by the fishing vessel Conpe Malaga 3 who responded to the the tug’s distress call. A Columbian naval helicopter arrived a short time later and took the crew to the hospital in Bahía Málaga. No reports of injuries.
Reports state the Navy will plan to salvage the tug when conditions improve.