On the afternoon of November 2, the 107 meter long, 11,014 dwt dredger Stuyvesant (IMO: 7915838) caught fire at the entrance to St. John’s River off Jacksonville, Florida. The fire started in the dredger’s engine room with the vessel requesting assistance. Both local authorities along with the U.S. Coast Guard dispatched crews to assist in extinguishing the blaze. Reports state the fire was quickly extinguished, but one crewmember of the Stuyvesant sustained injuries and taken ashore to treatment. No reports of pollution released.
On the morning of November 3, the 90 meter long, 4618 dwt cargo vessel Linde (IMO: 9141352) ran aground on the Kiel Canal near Schafstedt, Germany. The Linde had suffered engine failure and drifted up onto the canal embankment. The cargo vessel remained stuck for about an hour before it was able to restart the engine and free itself. The Linde then proceeded to Dückerswisch before it continued on to Brunsbüttel. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
On the early morning hours of November 1, the 179 meter long, 30,765 dwt bulk carrier Louisa Bolten (IMO: 9407049) collided with the 156.5 meter long, 26,071 dwt tanker Southern Puma (IMO: 9792008) in the Strait of Gibraltar off Algeciras, Spain. The Southern Puma was headed for Bilbao from Antwerp with a cargo of paraffin when the Louisa Bolten, en route from Avonmouth to Aliaga, struck the forward starboard section of the Southern Puma. While the bulk carrier sustained bow damage, the tanker suffered more damage on its starboard hull with at least one of the tanker’s hold breached. After the collision, authorities dispatched multiple vessels along with aircraft to the scene. Authorities found the Southern Puma had released pollution into the sea. An investigation found that 600 tons of liquid paraffin had been spilled.
The Southern Puma was escorted by four tugs to the port of Algeciras where it will transfer the cargo to another vessel before it can go into drydock. A boom was placed around the vessel to contain any further pollution released. Reports state some of the liquid paraffin released has solidified and washed ashore.
Photo: europasur.es
Photo: europasur.es
Photo: puentedemando.com
Photo: puentedemando.com
Initial reports state the Southern Puma had disabled its AIS prior to the collision. The Louisa Bolten was inspected and allowed to proceed on its voyage for Aliaga, Turkey. The incident remains under investigation.
