The 22 meter long fishing vessel Fetske – LO14 became disabled off Schiermonnikoog, Netherlands. The Fetske had suffered engine failure and had gone adrift. The crew requested assistance with the KNRM lifeboat from Lauwersoog responding. The KNRM lifeboat took the Fetske under tow and proceeded to bring the fishing vessel back to port. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
The 210 meter long, 7000 dwt passenger cruise ship Seabourn Encore allided with the 118 meter long, 8465 dwt cement carrier Milburn Carrier II at Timaru, New Zealand. The Seabourn Encore had been moored at Timaru as passengers were returning from a windy day ashore. The strong winds with gusts reaching up to 45 knots caused all four stern mooring lines to snap.
The other mooring lines broke as winds pushed the Seabourn Encore away from the quay and across the harbor. The cruise ship eventually reach the other side of the harbor and struck the berthed Milburn Carrier II. The Milburn Carrier II and the Seabourn Encore sustained hull damage. The Seabourn Encore continue to drift and struck the opposite wharf. No reports of injuries.
Reports state the Seabourn Encore was detained while Maritime New Zealand and local authorities investigate the incident. Both the Milburn Carrier II and Seabourn Encore will be surveyed for damages.
On February 11, the 98 foot long fishing vessel Destination was reported missing and presumed lost in the Bering Sea northwest of St. George Island, Alaska. The Coast Guard received an automated EPIRB signal (Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon) from the fishing vessel around 7:15 a.m. Saturday morning.
The Coast Guard dispatched helicopters and directed two nearby vessels to search for the Destination. Citizens on St. George Island began searching the shoreline for possible survivors or any signs of the fishing vessel.
By 10 a.m. the beacon was found in a debris field that included a buoy and life ring that had the fishing vessel’s name on it. An oil sheen was visible in the water indicating the vessel may have foundered in the vicinity.
Conditions were reported to be typical in the area with snow showers, waves reaching 2 to 3 meters and winds gusting up to 30 miles per hour.
The Coast Guard confirmed there were six crew on board the Destination when the vessel departed from Seattle.
A Coast Guard cutter from Dutch Harbor was dispatched and expected to be on site to aid in the search and rescue efforts.