The 113 meter long, 6088 dwt cement carrier Cemstar ran aground off the southern end of Hugla Island, Norway. The Cemstar was headed to Kjøpsvik from Trondheim when the vessel made a navigational error and the vessel up onto the shore. No reports of injuries and no pollution released. Divers were requested and inspected the hull. Finding the hull intact, two tugs were dispatched to assist in refloating the Cemstar on the rising tide.
On October 9, the 78 meter long self-propelled barge Boom ran aground on the Danube near Niederalteich, Germany. The Boom had stranded with 750 tons of steel plates and partially blocked the navigation channel. Authorities reported that the Boom had been overloaded which resulted in the grounding. With vessels over 130 meters were unable to pass the grounded barge, a traffic jam developed with over 20 vessels queued. Reports state the Boom will be lightered before it can be refloated. No reports of injuries. Authorities have launched an investigation into the overloading of the barge.
The 56 foot long fishing vessel Taplow sank near Grays Harbor, Washington. The fishing vessel sent out a distress call after the fishing vessel had sprung a leak in the engine room. The crew reported the engine room was nearly flooded and the Taplow’s pumps had failed.
The Coast Guard dispatched helicopters and vessels to the scene and were able to deliver a de-watering pump. Even with the new pump, the flooding could not be brought under control. The crew and rescuers abandoned the Taplow as no further efforts could be made to save the fishing vessel.
The Taplow sank in 300 feet of water. Reports state there was several hundred gallons of diesel fuel on board, but no pollution has been spotted.