Photos by: gCaptain.com
Quick action saved the 5485 dwt freighter Rusich 1 off the shores of Lisbon, Portugal. The Rusich 1 had been at anchor when heavy seas from the North Atlantic storm Hercules caused the anchor to drag. The crew were able to start the engines just before the vessel was blown ashore. The Rusich 1 proceeded further out to sea. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution release.
The 1004 foot long, dwt 62335 bulk carrier Mesabi Miner collided with the 68 meter long, Coast Guard cutter Hollyhock near the Mackinac Bridge in the Straits of Mackinac. The Hollyhock was breaking ice with several lake freighters following behind with the Miner following astern of the icebreaker. When the Hollyhock hit an ice pressure ridge, it suddenly halted. The Mesabi Miner was unable to stop and struck the stern of the cutter. The cutter had significant damage to its stern and fantail while the Mesabi Miner sustained damage to its bow. The Mesabi Miner was freed later the same day by the assistance of cutters Biscayne Bay and Katmai Bay. The Hollyhock proceeded to St. Ignace aided by the cutter Biscayne Bay. The Mesabi Miner continued on its way to Gary, Indiana with its cargo of iron ore. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
The abandoned 26 ton fishing vessel Cheng Tsai Li was discovered by the Japanese Coast Guard off the Miyako Island. The fishing vessel was found partially burnt along with a significant list as the hull had suffered water ingress. The Coast Guard search the vessel and found no one on board. Rescue boats from Japan and Taiwan started a search for survivors. One crewman was later rescued from the sea by another fishing boat. He was taken to hospital suffering from hypothermia and from injuries from shark bites. The other four crewmen are still reported as missing. The cause of the incident was not clear, but the crewman stated the vessel had caught fire forcing the crew to abandoned ship.
