Browsed by
Author: Paul Hancock

Sea Ern

Sea Ern

Sea Ern
Photo: USCG

On September 1, the 38 meter long, 215 gt fishing vessel Sea Ern (IMO: 7308542) ran aground in the Izhut Bay, Gulf of Alaska off Afognak Island, Alaska. The Sea Ern had run aground off a sandy beach just a few meters off the shoreline.  The fishing vessel sustained hull damage with a 12-foot by 1-foot gash in its bow. Two fuel tanks in the aft of the fishing vessel were ruptured releasing some 3,000 to 3,500 gallons of diesel fuel. A large oil sheen could be seen around the fishing vessel. There were no injuries to the 3 crew on board the vessel during the incident. The vessel MS Kennedy assisted in rescuing all 3 crew from the Sea Ern.

Sea Ern
Photo: USCG

Authorities state that booms were deployed around a nearby fish hatchery and some sorbent materials were being used at the site of the grounding. Contractors were being deployed to help recover the pollution while stabilizing the vessel. The Sea Ern had an additional 12,790 gallons of diesel fuel and 300 gallons of other oil products still onboard. Both Alaskan authorities and the United States Coast Guard are monitoring the situation. The cause of the grounding had not been disclosed.  Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

Awadi

Awadi

Awadi
Photo: cope.es

On the afternoon of September 1, the 49 meter long fishing vessel Awadi (IMO: 7922283) caught fire on the Ria de Arousa while berthed in Ribeira, Spain. The fire was ignited by a spark from welders doing some maintenance work on the vessel.  As the fire quickly spread through the Awadi, the 2 crew on board were able to safely evacuate to shore. By the time the local fire brigade arrived on site, the vessel was enveloped in a large cloud of smoke.  Fire fighters from shore assisted by patrol vessels sprayed water on the fishing vessel, but reaching the flames below deck was difficult.

Fire fighting continued through the next day.  Due to the amount of water used, the Awadi developed a strong list to starboard.  Additional dewatering pumps were deployed to avoid the fishing vessel from rolling over and sinking. Reports state the fire fighting efforts allowed them to gain access to the interior of the vessel on September 2.  Authorities reported the vessel was severely gutted by the flames and it would take additional days before the entire fire would be extinguished.  Containment booms were placed around the vessel to contain any pollution released from the incident.  The extent of damage has not been released. There were no injuries reported.

Hagrid

Hagrid

Photo: eviazoom.gr

On the morning of September 1, the 100 meter long, 6064 dwt cargo vessel Hagrid (IMO: 9437775) ran aground at the port of Mantoudi, Evia, Greece.  The Hagrid had completed loading some 5,002 tons of magnesite bound for Ireland when it grounded on the sandy bottom of the port.

The Greek Coast Guard arrived on site and found the cargo vessel had no water ingress.  There were no injuries to the 13 crew on board and no signs of pollution released. News reports state authorities are reviewing options on how to refloat the Hagrid. Authorities in Mantoudi has launched an preliminary investigation into the incident. The master of the Hagrid was arrested for violating article 277 of the Greek Criminal Code “Causing a shipwreck” and article 378 of the Criminal Code “Damage to another’s property”.  The cargo vessel was prohibited from sailing until the presentation of a seaworthiness certificate from the classification society.