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Author: Paul Hancock

Luther

Luther

Luther
Photo: USCG

On the afternoon of October 18, 2024 the 31.7 meter long, 158 gt tugboat Luther (IMO: 7427477) became disabled on the Pacific Ocean 10 miles off La Push, Washington. The Luther was towing a concrete barge when it suffered steering failure while in strong winds and waves.  The tugboat suffered water ingress as it drifted towards the shore.  Unable to fix the steering, the Luther contacted the Coast Guard requesting assistance.

The Coast Guard dispatched a 47-foot motor lifeboat and an emergency tug along with aircraft from the Air Station from Astoria, Washington.  The Coast Guard arrived on scene and found the Luther still afloat with the barge nearby, but the towline between the vessels had been disconnected. While setting up a towline to the Luther with the emergency tug, the barge nearly collided with the vessels prompting the Coast Guard to transfer the 5 crew of the Luther to another lifeboat.  The Coast Guard dispatched additional vessels which secured a towline to the Luther along with the concrete barge.  All the vessels proceeded to a safe harbor.  No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.

Chantase G

Chantase G

Chantase G
Photo: Instagram

On the night of September 26, the 37 meter long workboat Chantise G (MMSI: 775991023) sank in Lake Maracaibo off Tía Juana, Venezuela. The Chantise G had been dispatched with 26 persons on board  to repair some gas and oil pipelines on Lake Maracaibo in bad weather. When the vessel arrived at the location to do the repairs, the weather conditions worsen.  Strong winds were causing waves to break over the Chantise G and the master of the vessel decided to raise anchor. The lake boat attempted to reach shelter, but large waves continued to break over the starboard stern of the vessel causing water ingress. Unable to stop the flooding with the vessel’s pumps, many on board donned life jackets and the vessel alerted authorities the vessel was in trouble. Before the vessel reached safety of land the Chantise G rolled over and sank by the stern leaving only part of the bow above water. When the Chantise G so fast that it sent many of the people on board into the water while trapping some below deck.

Two rescue boats were dispatched to search for survivors and arrived quickly on scene.  Rescuers found 9 people in the water along with another 10 who held onto the bow of the Chantise G.  Unfortunately, five people on board perished with their bodies later recovered.  One person was reported as missing.

The incident is under investigation. Reports state that one of the drain covers on the vessel was defective and allowed water ingress.

Sjouwer

Sjouwer

Sjouwer
Photo: swr.de

On the evening of October 16, the 190 meter long self-propelled barge Sjouwer (MMSI: 244650954) struck the Diffené Bridge over the Bonadieshafen in the industrial port Mannheim, Germany. The Sjouwer was attempting to pass under the bridge when it allided. The wheelhouse was crushed and fell into the river. Additionally, the two vehicles onboard the Sjouwer ended up in the river as well. Fortunately, the master of the Sjouwer was able to escape beforehand and was uninjured.  The Diffené Bridge was inspected and found it had no significant damage with just a few scratches requiring some paint.

On October 17, divers were able to attach ropes and the vehicles were recovered from the river. Damage to the Sjouwer was estimated at 200,000 euros. Reports state the incident was due to a misjudgment of the height of the vessel.  The incident is under investigation.

Sjouwer