Browsed by
Author: Paul Hancock

Birgit G

Birgit G

Birgit G

On the evening of February 21, the 88 meter long, 1460 dwt cargo vessel Birgit G (IMO: 9536064) became disabled on the North Sea off Westerhever, Germany. The vessel had suffered engine problems and dropped anchor to undergo repairs.  After completing repairs, the crew requested the DGzRS to escort the cargo vessel to Büsum in case of another engine breakdown. The DGzRS deployed the search and rescue vessel Theodor Storm out of Büsum and proceeded to escort the Birgit G to port.  Around 3:30 a.m. on February 22, the vessels were just 5.4 nautical miles off Büsum when the Birgit G main engine failed.  The Birgit G was able to drop it’s anchor again. Later the Theodor Storm proceeded to transport technicians and inspectors to the Birgit G to assist in repairs.  Reports state a tug towed the Birgit G into port the next day.  No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.

Theodor Storm
Photo: DGzRS

 

Thor

Thor

Thor
Photo: workboat.com

On the morning of February 18, the 22 meter long, 163 gt towboat Thor (IMO: 8842246) caught fire on the Delaware River near Pea Patch Island, Pennsylvania. The Thor was pushing two barges between Delaware City and Old New Castle when a fire broke out in the engine room.  The crew was able to escape the blaze, but the fire had disabled the steering and the towboat went adrift. The crew sent out a distress call and were rescued by a nearby vessel. No reports of injuries.

The United States Coast Guard along with local authorities dispatched fire fighting vessels to the scene. Reports states the fire was extinguished and the Thor was taken under tow by the tug Wye River (IMO: 9512379).  The incident is under investigation.

Shayesth

Shayesth

Shayesth
Photo: USGS

On February 18, the 50 meter long, 450 dwt cargo vessel Shayesth (IMO: 9033036) was reported to sink in the Persian Gulf off the coast of Bahrain. The Shayesth had departed from Bushehr, Iran when it developed a strong list to starboard.  Unable to correct the list, the crew sent out a distress call and requested assistance. The United States Navy minesweeper Devastator and the United States Coast Guard cutter Clarence Sutphin Jr. assisted to rescue the 7 crew off the cargo vessel. While there were no reports of injuries, authorities did state the crew did received medical care onboard the Clarence Sutphin Jr. 

Shayesth
Photo: USGS

A short time after the crew were rescued, the Shayesth rolled over and sank. The cause of the list was not disclosed, but some reports assume the vessel suffered a cargo shift or possible suffered water ingress.