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Author: Paul Hancock

Yu Zhou Qi Hang

Yu Zhou Qi Hang

Yu Zhou Qi Hang
Photo: rti.org.tw

On October 30, the 143 meter long, 12,135 dwt heavy lift vessel Yu Zhou Qi Hang became disabled off Cape Yehliu, Taiwan.  The Yu Zhou Qi Hang had departed from Jilo bound for Zhangzhou with a heavy cargo of three gantry cranes.  The vessel had travelled on a few hours when it stop making headway as it approached the outer edge of Super Typhoon Kong-Rey. With wind gusts up to 300 kilometers per hour and waves reaching 16 feet, the master of the Yu Zhou Qi Hang felt the vessel was in danger and requested assistance. Authorities initially dispatched tugboats to the scene, but they were driven back by the rough conditions.  The Yu Zhou Qi Hang dropped both its anchors just over half a mile offshore to keep the vessel from being blown ashore.

Yu Zhou Qi Hang
Photo: focustaiwan.tw

 

Fortunately, the Taiwanese Coast Guard had dispatched a patrol vessel that was able to reach the Yu Zhou Qi Hang. The patrol boat arrived on scene and was able to safely rescue all 17 crew off the heavy lift vessel.

Authorities are preparing the possible major oil spill if the Yu Zhou Qi Hang is blown ashore ripping open its fuel tanks. Reports state the area has a stockpile of absorbent pads that can be deployed.

Yu Zhou Qi Hang
Photo: taiwanenglishnews.com

The Yu Zhou Qi Hang had been an earlier incident on October 14. As the vessel arrived in Keelung, it allided with an older gantry crane on the dock causing it to collapse. The incident resulted in destruction of the crane and destroying five empty containers.

 

Tromsø

Tromsø

Tromsø
Photo: nordlys.no

On the afternoon of October 29, the 25 meter long, 208 gt passenger ship Tromsø (IMO: 5375204) ran aground in the Tromsøysundet south of the Tromsø Bridge. The Tromsø was proceeding with just its crew onboard from Nord-Lenangenon when a strong wind gust caused the vessel to run up on an uncharted sandbar. The passenger ship remained aground during the low tide until it was able to be pulled free by a tugboat. The Tromsø was towed to the Imes quay where it was inspected for damage.  Reports state the hull had just minor damage from the incident. No reports of injuries or pollution released.

Beyond 2

Beyond 2

Beyond 2
Photo: argenports.com.ar

On October 22, the 181 meter long, 34126 dwt bulk carrier Beyond 2 (IMO: 9526564) ran aground twice on the Paraná River near Rosario, Argentina. The Beyond 2 departed from the ACA terminal in San Lorenzo with 33,000 tons of sorghum with a pilot onboard. The Beyond 2 proceeded downstream when the bulk carrier touch bottom on the river. The Beyond 2 remained aground for 24 hours until two tugboats arrived and successfully refloated it. The Beyond 2 continued on its voyage when it ran aground again an hour later. The vessel had vessel had veered just 40 meters outside the navigation channel and became stuck.  Two tugboats were sent again and freed the Beyond 2 again. The Beyond 2 proceeded to anchor in Rosario for inspections.  No reports of injuries or pollution released.

Beyond 2
Photo: argenports.com.ar

Reports state the dredging on the river in the area allowed sediment to settle on a single mound which has become a hazard to navigation. The Beyond 2 was kept at a draft of 9.77 meters which should have allowed it to pass over the area dredged to 10 meters deep.