On December 21, the 110 meter long, 9149 dwt tanker Zhong Fa (IMO: 9054573) became disabled in the Taiwan Strait approximately 11 miles southeast Damai Island, China. The tanker was headed to Fuxhou when it suffered main engine failure and went adrift. Authorities sent out alerts to nearby vessels to keep a safe distance. Reports state the Zhong Fa was taken under tow and reached Huangqi Bay where it dropped anchor off Huangqi, China. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
On the afternoon of December 17, the 163 meter long, 10554 dwt livestock carrier Zein 1 (IMO: 7622041) caught fire in the Sea of Marmara while berthed at the Kuzeystar Shipyard, Turkey. The Zein 1 was undergoing maintenance when a fire broke out on the vessel. The Tuzla port authority and local fire fighters were able to respond and quickly extinguish the blaze. There were no reports of injuries and no pollution was released. The extent of damage caused by the fire was not disclosed.
On the afternoon of November 5, the 90 meter long self-propelled barge Zuidenwind (MMSI: 244730834) allided on the Zuid-Willemsvaart Canal in Weert, Netherlands. The Zuidenwind was bound for Born when it there was an incident with a personal watercraft causing the vessel to strike a bridge over the canal. Both the Zuidenwind and the bridge sustained damage from the incident.
The Zuidenwind was still seaworthy and was able to proceed under its own power to Limburg. The bridge was raised allowing the barge to pass, but was unable to completely lower again. Authorities had to close road traffic while the extent of damage was being assessed. The incident is under investigation.
