The 101 meter long, 5541 dwt container ship Pioneer Bay suffered an engine room failure and became disabled off at The Sund in Norway. The crew quickly dropped the anchors before the vessel drifted within meters of going aground. The lifeboat Simrad Buholmen towed the Pioneer Bay back into deeper water. The crew later was able to restart the engines and the vessel continued on its voyage. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution being released.
The 88 meter long, 3697 dwt freighter Pluto allided with the northern pier of the Great Belt Bridge near Storstrøm, Denmark. The vessel suffered only slight damage, but rail traffic was closed on the bridge when several cracks were found in several spans. The MAS authorities were contacted and an investigation has begun. The Pluto is currently detained at Vordingborg. No reports of injuries or pollution being released.
The trawler Pieter van Aris TX-21 became disabled after a cable snapped on one of the vessel’s boom while fishing in the Wadden Sea, Netherlands. With the boom and fishing gear in the water, the Pieter van Aris became uncontrollable. The crew contacted authorities and the KNRM launched a lifeboat from the Harlingen station. Initial attempts to tow the trawler failed due to the strong currents in the area. The second attempt was successful. The crew of the Pieter van Aris cleared the broken gear from the vessel and was able to proceed under its own power. No reports of injuries.
