On the morning of December 23, an 55 ton fishing vessel (name not disclosed) caught fire in the Sea of Japan some 20 kilometers southeast of Songjeong-dong, Busan, South Korea. The fire broke out in the vessel’s engine room and could not be contained. The vessel requested assistance with the South Korean Coast Guard responding. Reports state that all 8 crew were rescued off the fishing vessel by the Coast Guard. The fishing vessel was last reported as completely gutted by the fire and was a total loss.
Photo: ichannela.com
Photo: ichannela.com
Photo: ichannela.com
The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident. No details disclosed if any of the 8 crew on the fishing vessel sustained any injuries from the incident.
On the morning of December 14, the 28 meter long, 345 gt fishing vessel Fastnet (IMO: 9244465) ran aground in the Dingle Bay near Binn Bán beach outside of outside Cuan an Daingin, County Kerry, Ireland. The Fastnet had departed from Dingle Harbour in poor conditions with heavy seas when it suffered engine failure. The trawler went adrift and sent out a distress call. Irish Coast Guard responded by dispatching a fixed wing aircraft along with a rescue helicopter while the RNLI launched the 17 meter long lifeboat John and Margaret Doig (MMSI: 232002460) from the Valentia Island.
The RNLI lifeboat assisted by local boats arrived on scene. The vessels attempted to connect a towline to the trawler, but were unsuccessful. Before any further attempts to save the Fastnet could be made, the trawler was blown ashore onto the rocks. Unconfirmed reports state the trawler sustained hull damage and potentially to the fuel tanks.
A rescue helicopter would later safely hoist all 14 crew off the Fastnet. The crew were taken ashore and were evaluated for injuries by emergency personnel. Authorities have initiated an environmental response plan to the incident. Salvage teams have been engaged to mitigate diesel fuel released. The extent of damage and the amount of pollution released has not been disclosed.
On the morning of November 14, a 9.77 ton fishing vessel (name not disclosed) caught fire in the Yellow Sea off the coast of Boryeong, South Korea. The vessel had departed with 21 persons on board from Boryeong when a fire broke out on the vessel. Nearby fishing vessels came to their aid and safely evacuated all 21 off the burning ship.
Authorities dispatched vessels which attempted to extinguish the blaze, but the fire had already spread through out the superstructure. Reports state the flames eventually engulfed the entire vessel before it sank. The South Korean Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.
