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Author: Paul Hancock

Super Shuttle Roro 2

Super Shuttle Roro 2

Super Shuttle Roro 2
Photo: Philippine Coast Guard

On the afternoon of October 23, the 90 meter long, 1463 dwt ro-ro vehicle carrier Super Shuttle Roro 2 (IMO: 8615722) went aground in Batangas Bay at Batangas, Philippines. The Super Shuttle Roro 2 had been at anchor with a minimal crew on board when it broke free caused by strong winds and rough seas from Tropical Storm Kristine. The vessel drifted until it grounded close to the port. The vessel’s owners have requested a tug to tow the vessel free, but operations were suspended due to the weather conditions.  No reports of injuries to the 3 crew on board.

Authorities state the vessel has been secured to a berth and the Philippine Coast Guard is monitoring the situation.  When weather conditions improve, the tug will tow the Super Shuttle Roro 2 back to its anchorage. Report state the vessel’s engine was not functional and the vessel had been at anchor since late 2023 awaiting to be drydocked for repairs.

 

Merike

Merike

Merike
Photo: nordlys.no

On October 22, the 70 meter long, 2772 gt fishing vessel Merike (IMO: 9227534) ran aground near Solstrand, Norway.  The crew alerted authorities which dispatched the 35 meter long, 475 gt tug Borg Parat (IMO: 9067269) to the scene. The tug was quickly able to free the trawler within 20 minutes. The vessels proceeded to a quay at Solstrand where it will be inspected for damage. No reports of injuries or pollution released. The cause of the grounding was not reported.

Reports state the Merike was able to leave port and continued on its voyage into the Barents Sea.  The Merike was built in 2002 and currently sailing under the Estonia flag.

Hecht

Hecht

Hecht
Photo: landeszeitung.de

On the evening of October 21, the 70 meter long self-propelled barge Hecht (MSSI: 211496960) caught fire on the Elbe off Lauenburg, Germany. The Hecht was on a voyage from Hildensheim to Hamburg when fire broke out in the living quarters. The fire quickly engulfed the superstructure in meters high flames and spewing out dense black smoke.  Multiple fire brigades were dispatched to the scene to battle the blaze. Their combined effort were able to extinguish the fire in about an hour. The crew of the Hecht were uninjured, but the vessel sustained around 100,000 euros in damage to the barge. Reports state the cargo of  wheat grain was unimpacted by the fire.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. No details on how the fire broke out on the vessel.