On September 1, the 86 meter long self-propelled tanker-barge Volharding 7 (MMSI: 244710879) ran aground on the IJssel River near Westervoort and Arnhem, Netherlands. The current pulled the Volharding 7 perpendicular to the river blocking all river traffic. Authorities report that the Volharding 7 was unable to free itself and requested assistance. Four tugboats arrived on scene and refloated the tanker-barge. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
On June 14, the 198 meter long, 43,401 dwt hopper dredger Vox Maxima (IMO: 9454096) allided with the 97 meter long, 9003 dwt fuel supply tanker Marine Honour off Singapore. The Vox Maxima had gone adrift after a power blackout when it drifted into the anchored Marine Honour. The allision resulted in hull damage to the Marine Honour releasing some 400 tonnes of low-sulphur fuel oil into the sea. No reports of injuries.
Authorities were alerted to the incident and dispatched a response team to the scene. Booms and barriers were placed around the tanker, but large quantity of fuel oil washed on to the nearby shoreline of three islands and a nearby nature reserve. Hundreds of workers and nearly 1500 volunteers were assisting in cleanup efforts while two skimmers were attempting to remove oil from the water. The remaining fuel oil on the Marine Honour was lightered off to another tanker while 16 oil response watercraft spray oil dispersants.
Photo: mpa.gov.sg
Photo: mpa.gov.sg
Photo: mpa.gov.sg
Photo: mpa.gov.sg
Photo: mpa.gov.sg
Photo: mpa.gov.sg
Photo: mpa.gov.sg
Reports states biologists are monitoring the situation and evaluating the damage to the wildlife.
On January 16, the 75 meter long, 2368 dwt cargo vessel Viet Phu 16 suffered hull damage in the East China Sea near Cu Lao Cham Island, Quang Nam, Vietnam. The Viet Phu 16 was en route from Hai Phong to Chu Lai with 2330 tons of cement when it struck bottom. The vessel sustained bow hull damage and two cargo holds were holed. The crew directed the vessel to shallow waters off Cu Lao Cham Island to avoid sinking.
Photo: vietnamnet.vn
Photo: vietnamnet.vn
Authorities dispatched to scene and inspected the hull damage. Divers were later called to conduct repairs to the hull. No reports of injuries to the 10 crew and no pollution released.
