The 37 meter long, 323 gt tugboat HYUNDAI HT 112 became disabled in heavy ice near Vladivostok, Russia. The tug had lost propullion after its main engine had failed and requested to be towed into port. A vessel was dispatched and towed the tug to its berth. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution being released.
The 122 meter long, 5758 dwt freighter Helliar suffered damage to its propeller stern tube by a rope while en route to Kirkwall from Aberdeen. The Helliar was able to continue to Lerwick at reduced speed. Divers made an inspection and determined the damage could not be repaired at the local facilities. The Helliar proceeded to Gothenburg where it will go into drydock for repairs. No reports of injuries or pollution being released.
The 97 meter long freighter Hg Xin Yuan Shun 6 sank off Hui’an, Quanzhou, Fujian, China. The freighter loaded with 5,000 tons of pottery clay was en route to Shandong province when it encountered strong winds and rough seas. The vessel sent out a distress call before it went down. The authorities dispatched several vessels and two helicopters. One crewman out of the 11 on board was found alive and taken to hospital. Eight bodies were also recovered. The cause of the sinking was not reported, but it is suspected a cargo shift in the hold caused the vessel to list and capsize in the bad weather. Authorities also are looking for a possible oil spill from the sunken vessel.
