Collision off Fort Kochi

MSC Silver II
Photo: onmanorama.com

 

On the evening of October 1, the 185.5 meter long, 37548 dwt cargo vessel MSC Silver II (IMO: 9225249) collided with the fishing vessel Prathyasha in the Arabian Sea off Fort Kochi, India. The MSC Silver II had been alerted by other fishing vessels nearby that a fishing vessel was in their path.  The cargo vessel slowed down just before it  struck the Prathyasha.  Reports state some of crew on the Prathyasha jumped overboard as the cargo vessel brushed against their vessel. Fortunately, all the crew on the fishing vessel were unharmed.  However, the fishing vessel sustained damage along with many fishing nets were destroyed. There were no reports of injuries or damage onboard the MSC Silver II.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. New reports state the main shipping channel was some 20 kilometers away from where the incident occurred. The reason why the MSC Silver II was proceeding in the area was not disclosed.

 

Carmen

Carmen
Photo: mittelbayerische.de

On the afternoon of September 28, the 110 meter long self-propelled passenger ship Carmen (MMSI: 244070771) released pollution on the Danube at the Regensburg lock, Germany. The Carmen was proceeding to Cologne from Passau when it released oil pollution into the water. Authorities placed booms around the vessel while the crew determine the source of the pollution. The crew would eventually find the source from a fault.  The water police detained the vessel until repairs could be made.  Authorities stated the amount of oil pollution released into the water was only 2 to 3 liters of oil.  Reports state the oil pollution had been initially detected when the Carmen had locked through the Geisling lock, but the crew was unable to determine the source. No reports of injuries or damage to the vessel.

Capsized off Busan

79 ton Fishing Vessel
Photo: yna.co.kr

On the afternoon of September 19,  a 79 ton fishing vessel (name not disclosed) capsized and sank in the Sea of Japan some 61.6 kilometers east of Busan, South Korea. The fishing vessel had been attempting to haul in fishing nets when it lost stability and capsized.  The fishing vessel’s EPIRB alerted South Korean authorities who launched a search and rescue operation. A nearby fishing vessel was able to rescue 7 crew members with one crew member listed as missing. The captain of the fishing vessel was found, but had suffered cardiac arrest.  A Coast Guard helicopter airlifted him and took him ashore for medical treatment.  Authorities stated he did not recover and later died while in hospital.

The South Korean Coast Guard searched the area near where the fishing vessel sank for the missing crew member using patrol ships and aircraft, but were not successful in finding the sailor. Reports stated the missing crew member was not wearing a life jacket. Authorities have talked to the crew who state the capsizing was caused by the vessel turning while the net was being pulled in. The incident is under investigation.