Browsed by
Author: Paul Hancock

Fortune Pride

Fortune Pride

Fortune Pride

On the evening of February 6, the 15 meter long, 102 gt fishing vessel Fortune Pride (IMO: 8861802) capsized and sank in the Atlantic Ocean some 18 kilometers southeast of Sambro, Nova Scotia, Canada. Authorities were alerted by the vessel’s ERIPB that the vessel was in trouble. Unable to contact the Fortune Pride over radio, the Canadian Coast Guard deployed the 19 meter long search and rescue vessel Hare Bay (MMSI: 316044024) and the 83 meter long tender Sir William Alexander (IMO: 8320482) along with a helicopter and a fixed-wing aircraft.

Hare Bay

Rescuers arrived at the last reported location of the fishing vessel and there was no sign of the Fortune Pride. However, they located three crew in the water wearing survival suits. The three were rescued by the Hare Bay and taken to hospital. A forth crew member was later found the next morning in an overturned life raft. He was later airlifted to the helicopter and transported to hospital. Authorities would later state this crew member along with one other crew rescued earlier had perished.

Sir William Alexander

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has launched an investigation into the incident. Reports state the Fortune Pride had departed from Sambro and encountered four meter waves and strong winds. The cause of the capsizing has not be disclosed.

Kiel Canal Collision

Kiel Canal Collision

Essence

On the morning of February 6, the 168 meter long, 21298 dwt container ship Essence (IMO: 9491496)  collided with the 142 meter long, 9516 dwt container ship X-Press Mülhacen (IMO: 9365960) on the Kiel Canal next to the Holtenau locks at Kiel, Germany. The Essence, en route to Rotterdam from Kotka, was exiting out of the south lock in thick fog when it scraped against the X-Press Mülhacen as it was attempting to enter the north lock. Both vessels were detained while the water police launched an investigation into the incident. After the questioning and inspections were completed a few hours later, the Essence was allowed to proceed on its voyage. Reports state the X-Press Mülhacen was detained until the evening of February 6 before it could continue on its journey to Gdynia.  There were no reports of injuries or any pollution released.

X-Press Mülhacen

Sommen

Sommen

Sommen
Photo: shz.de

On the early morning of February 5, the 90 meter long, 5248 dwt cargo vessel Sommen (IMO: 9968138) ran aground on the Kiel Canal near Oldenbüttel, Germany. The Sommen was en route to Avedøre from Aveiro when it suffered an electrical fault causing the vessel to veer and run up on the southern embankment. The crew was able to make repairs and the Sommen continued on its voyage before it had a second incident. As the vessel approached Rendsburg, it suffered engine failure and ran aground along the southern embankment. Authorities dispatched the tug Holtenau (IMO: 8200321) to assist. The tug pulled the Sommen free later that morning and towed it to a quay at Kiel. There the cargo vessel was inspected for damage. No reports of injuries or pollution released. The Sommen had a prior incident on the Kiel back in October 2024.