On noon on January 18, the 148 meter long, 13661 dwt container ship Eco Ponente(IMO: 9985966) allided on the Kiel Canal at Kiel, Germany. The container ship was head to Rotterdam from Riga when it entered the only operational lock in Kiel. The vessel’s sister ship, the Eco Ostro, had allided with the other lock chamber the prior day resulting in that lock being closed to traffic. As the Eco Ponente entered the lock it struck the lock gate partially tearing the fenders. The Eco Ponente only sustained minor scratches. After an inspection and an investigation by the water police, the container ship was allowed to proceed under its own power. Authorities have not disclosed the extent of damage to the lock gate, but have stated the damage would be repaired. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
On January 17, the 148 meter long, 13686 dwt container ship Eco Ostro(IMO: 9959565) allided in the Kiel Canal in Kiel, Germany. The Eco Ostro departed from Kotka when it entered into north lock when it struck the lock wall. The Eco Ostro sustained only slight paint damage, but the lock had part of the wall collapsed into the lock. Due to the severity of damage to the lock, authorities closed the lock to traffic. Divers would later inspect the lock for damage. The Eco Ostro was detained for a few hours while the water police conducted an investigation into the incident. Reports state the vessel was able to continue on its journey and arrived in Antwerp.
On the morning of January 19, a 2.35 ton fishing vessel (name not disclosed) became disabled in the Sea of Japan approximately 1.1 kilometers north of Daejin Port in Donghae, South Korea. The fishing vessel was unable to steer after it entangled a large floating object around its propeller. Unable to clear the obstruction around the screw, the vessel alerted the South Korean Coast Guard for assistance. The P-65 patrol vessel was dispatched to the scene. Two divers entered the water and removes some 40 kilograms of rope from around the screw, but were unable to remove everything. A tugboat was requested and took the disabled fishing vessel under tow. The vessels proceeded to Daejin where authorities removed the remaining net from the propeller.
Authorities conducted a safety management and screen the crew of the fishing vessel for alcohol. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
