Wan Da

Wan Da

On April 15, the 45 meter long tanker Wan Da capsized and sank in the Malacca Straits near Johor, Malaysia. All the crew on board the Wan Da were able to escape before the vessel rolled over. Malaysian patrol vessels monitored the overturned tanker as it drifted across shipping lanes into Indonesian waters. Reports state Indonesian patrol vessels had secured a tow line to the Wan Da and tried to tow the tanker towards Riau Islands. Another report states the Wan Da sank before it could be towed to safety. Authorities state an oil spill was spotted off Tanjung Penyusop.

Washington

Washington
Photo: towboatgallery.com

On February 18, the 170 foot long towboat Washington allided with a bridge over the Ohio River between Evansville, Indiana and Henderson, Kentucky.  The Washington was pushing 10 empty barges when it struck the middle pier of the Twin Bridge.  There was no damage to the towboat or barges and the bridge sustained only a minor scrape.  Authorities were alerted to the incident and traffic was reduced on the bridge until it could be inspected. No reports of injuries or pollution released.

Wish Way Bridge Strike

Heavy Lift Vessel Wish Way
Photo: diario.aw

On February 16, the 156 meter long, 21243 dwt heavy lift vessel Wish Way allided with the Queen Juliana Bridge l at Willemstad, Curaçao. The Wish Way was proceeding under the bridge with a cargo of two container cranes when the cranes struck the underside of the bridge. Both cranes sustained damage and some damage was reported on the bridge.  Traffic on the 56 meter high bridge was suspended until it could be inspected for damage. No reports of injuries.

Both cranes were from China and were only partially built. The cranes were only 2/3 of their projected height so that they could safely pass under the bridge.  Unfortunately, there was some wind while the Wish Way was passing under the bridge causing the incident.  Reports state the repairs of the cranes will delay their use by several months.