The 108 meter long, 3104 dwt general cargo vessel Orel 4 ran aground on the Volga River near Astrakhan, Russia. The Orel 4 was en route to Astrakhan with 2870 tons of grain when it’s stern touched bottom. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released. Reports state that traffic was not impacted by the grounding.
On April 15, the 228 meter long, 79677 dwt bulk carrier Ornak was driven hard aground off Virginia Beach, Virginia. The Ornak had been at anchor in Chesapeake Bay when wind increased and changed direction. The Ornak’s anchor began to drag. The crew attempted to restart the engines and turn the vessel, but the bulk carrier was drifting closer to shore. A second anchor was dropped, but it didn’t hold. The Ornak went hard aground a few hundred yards off shore. No reports of injuries to the 22 crew on board, damage or pollution released. The Ornak was released by the aid of tugs on the following rising tide. Divers inspected the hull and was allowed to proceed to the Portsmouth terminal to load its cargo of grain.
The 89 foot long fishing vessel Ocean Princess caught fire while berthed in Fairhaven, Massachussets. The fire started by welders on the ship resulting in thick black smoke. The crew quickly evacuated the vessel. Local firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze. No reports of injuries. Reports state the vessel sustained $5,000 in damages to the vessel.
