The 122 meter long ro-ropassenger ferry Kong Harald was damaged while off Berlevåg, Norway. The Kong Harald had traveled a short distance from Berlevåg with 225 passengers and 50 crew when it was struck by a large rogue wave. Witnesses stated a 15 meter high wave smashed into the ferry. Multiple windows along the upper deck were smashed. The wheelhouse also had some windows broken resulting in some electronics and instruments failing. Two persons onboard sustained minor injuries. The Kong Harald diverted its course to Honningsvåg where it replaced the broken windows before it proceeded on to Harstad where it receive a detailed inspection.
The 29 meter long offshore supply vessel JHC Transporter collided with the 63 meter long general cargo ship Elvi Kull on the Kiel Canal at the 88.7 kilometer mark. The Elvi Kull struck head-on with JHC Transporter and sustained only minor scratches. The JHC Transporter suffered significant damage to its bow with a large gash above the waterline. Both vessels proceeded to Kiel for inspection. The water police launched an investigation into the incident. The Elvi Kull was allowed to continue on its voyage to Heiligenhafen. The JHC Transporter proceeded to a shipyard in Kiel. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
The 90 meter long cargo ship Kertu ran aground off off Rural Area, south of Nynashamn, Sweden. The Kertu had run hard aground in severe weather with waves reaching 3 to 4 meters high. The cargo ship sustained significant hull damage. Both the fuel tank and cargo hold suffered water ingress. An unreported amount of fuel oil spilled out into the sea.
Photo: kustbevakningen.se
The crew notified authorities that the vessel was in distress and required assistance. The Swedish Coast Guard dispatched several vessels to the scene and launched recovery operations. The crew was able to transfer fuel oil from the damaged from the damaged tank into another undamaged tank. The Kertu was refloated, but it was found that the water ingress was more than the vessel’s pump could manage. Seven of the nine crew on the Kertu were evacuated safely by the Coast Guard while the remaining crew attempted to bring the flooding under control.
Photo: kustbevakningen.se
Flooding continued in the Kertu with the holds nearly 1/2 filled with water and the vessel began to list over to starboard. The Swedish Coast Guard was able to deliver additional pumps and help aid the remaining crew to get them running. With in a short time, the pumps brought the flooding under control. A pilot was brought on board and the vessel proceeded to Oxelösund. No reports of injuries. An investigation was launched by authorities. Reports state the crew made a navigational error and steered the Kertu aground.
