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Author: Paul Hancock

Rona

Rona

Rona
Photo: The Rona formerly named the Oban

On 14 January, the 114 meter long, 3262 dwt Rona (IMO: 8301852) sank in the Caspian Sea off the Turkmenistan coast. The Rona departed from Iran to Astrakhan when it sent out a distress call that the vessel had suffered water ingress and required assistance. The Turkmenistan Coast Guard responded and rescued all 14 crew off the cargo vessel.

Ukrainian news have suggested that the Rona had been involved with transporting Iranian weapons to Russia. There have been no details on what cargo was on board the cargo vessel at the time of the sinking. There were no further details released by the Press Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.

A fake photo of the Rona sinking being shared on Social Media
Photo: The fake photo of the Rona shared on x.com

An unconfirmed photo was being shared on social media reported to be the Rona. However, a comparison of an older photo of the Rona indicates the photo is a fake.

 

 

 

Miniu

Miniu

 

Miniu
Photo: tagesschau.de

On January 9, the 67 meter long self-propelled barge Miniu (MMSI: 261186172)  ran aground in Lake Jungfernsee near Potsdam, Germany. The Miniu was loaded with 744 tons of gravel when it ran aground on a shoal.  The barge was unable to free itself and requested assistance.

Due to the icy conditions, 3 icebreakers would be called out to help free the Miniu. The ice breakers wouldn’t reach the barge until 3 days later. The icebreakers attempted to pull the barge free, but failed.  At this point, the Miniu had slid closer to the shoreline and was firmly on a sandbank.

Miniu
Photo: rbb24.de

The water police stated that no further attempts would be made until the ice melts and the Miniu can be lightered of the cargo of gravel. Reports state that weather forecasts suggest that attempts to refloat the barge will be the following week at the earliest. Authorities state the crew on the Miniu plan to remain aboard the vessel and were well provisioned.

The water police has launched an investigation into the incident.

Fener

Fener

 

Fener
Photo: nabd.com

On January 13, the 138 meter long, 4515 dwt cargo vessel Fener (IMO: 8888862) ran aground in the Mediterranean Sea approximately 5 miles west of the northern entrance to the Suez Canal. The Fener departed from Turkey bound for East Port Said to load a cargo of salt. When the vessel approached Port Said weather conditions were poor so the Fener requested to wait in the anchorage area until weather improves.

Fener
Photo: haberdenizde.com

Authorities would later receive an alert from the Fener that the vessel had suffered a breach in a hold with water ingress. Fearing the vessel would sink, the Fener headed to the shallows where it was intentionally grounded.

Fener
Photo: soulta4.net

Canal authorities state the Fener grounding has no impact to traffic on the Suez Canal. The situation is being monitored. No further details reported.