On January 3, authorities temporary closed the Kiel Canal at Brunsbüttel, Germany. Authorities reported a large slick of diesel fuel was discovered in the port of Brunsbüttel. The slick approximately 15 meters wide by 1,800 meters long.
The fire brigade from Brunsbüttel and Büsum arrived on site with pollution response equipment. After three hours the pollution had been removed.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. The source of the pollution has not yet been disclosed.
On the evening of January 5, local authorities in Hull, England reported a barge (name not disclosed) struck a bridge on the River Hull. The barge was had been unmoored and drifted until became stuck under the bridge. The vessel remained wedged under the bridge until the water level lowered on the ebbing tide.
Photo: bbc.com
Local police, fire and emergency services were on site diverting traffic until the barge could be pulled free. Authorities suspect that the barge was intentionally let go from the mooring.
On the evening of January 5, the Gris-Nez Regional Operational Surveillance and Rescue Center (CROSS) received a report two fishing vessels collided in the English Channel off the coast off Fécamp, France. Authorities state the 24 meter long, 189 gt fishing vessel Vauban CN807008 (IMO: 8543383) was struck by another fishing vessel (name not disclosed). The Vauban suffered damage to its port bow holed with uncontrolled water ingress.
French authorities dispatched the 18 meter long SNSM lifeboat SNS 089 Cap Fagnet (MMSI: 227003620) along with a Dauphin helicopter from the French Navy. The helicopter arrived on the scene and hoisted 3 of the 6 crew off the Vauban. These crew members would be transferred to the other fishing vessel involved in the incident. The remaining crew members on the Vauban would stay on board to run dewatering pumps delivered by the lifeboat.
An hour later the helicopter was on site again. Two of the 3 crew members on the Vauban needed medical attention. These crew had suffered smoke inhalation from the exhaust from the dewatering pumps. Two crew from the SNSM lifeboat were winched aboard the Vauban to assist. Assisted by telemedicine physicians from Le Havre, the crew were provided medical treatment. Their conditions improved and there was no need for evacuation.
Authorities had the Vauban towed back to Fécamp where it would be met by local fire and rescue services who offered additional support to control the water ingress. The cause of the collision was not disclosed.
