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Author: Paul Hancock

Sofia

Sofia

Sofia
Photo: Swedish Maritime Authority

On the evening of November 28, the 70 meter long, 1827 dwt cargo vessel Sofia (IMO: 8616087) suffered an explosion and fire in Baltic Sea some 30 nautical miles off the coast of Bornholm, Denmark. The Sofia was proceeding in ballast from Poland to Karlshamn when the vessel alerted authorities a mayday alert and the crew needed to abandon ship. Both Danish and Swedish authorities dispatched helicopters and vessels to the scene. Reports state a Swedish rescue helicopter was first to arrive over the Sofia and were able to winch up all 5 crew safely.  The helicopter took the crew to Kristianstad and were reported unharmed from the incident. Polish authorities also dispatched the rescue vessel Kapitan Poinc along with a tugboat towards the drifting Sofia.

Sofia
Photo: tvn24.pl

Reports state the vessel’s owners had dispatched a tug from Rostock to take the Sofia under tow and take it to a shipyard for repair. No details on the cause of the explosion nor the extent of damage caused by the explosion and the fire. Authorities stated the Sofia was not a threat to navigation in the area.

 

Samantha

Samantha

Samantha

On November 26, the 22 meter long, 61 gt fishing vessel Samantha (MMSI: 219002838) ran aground off the island of Rømø, Denmark. The DSRS dispatched two lifeboats while the DGzRS dispatched a vessel to the scene later the same day. The lifeboats initial attempts to pull the Samantha free were unsuccessful. It would not be until the following morning on November 27 when the lifeboats were able to refloat the trawler. The Samantha was able to proceed safely to Havneby.  No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.

Speranza

Speranza

Speranza
Photo: nos.nl

On November 27, the 80 meter long self-propelled barge Speranza (MMSI: 244670229) ran aground on the IJssel near Westervoort, Netherlands. The Speranza loaded with sand and gravel had stranded due to undisclosed reasons and sustained water ingress. The local fire brigade responded to the scene and used pumps to de-water the vessel.  Authorities had to halt traffic until the Speranza was refloated. The vessel later proceeded two kilometers north of the incident location where it will be inspected. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

View a video of the incident on nos.nl