Browsed by
Author: Paul Hancock

Gefion

Gefion

Gefion
Photo: folketidende.dk

On the morning of July 6, the 11 meter long, 2 masted sailing vessel Gefion (MMSI: 211567940) went aground on the Fehmarn Belt off Rødbyhavn, Denmark.  The Gefion was leaving the port of Rødbyhavn when it suffered engine engine failure. The sailing ship was unable to restart the engine before it washed ashore onto a breakwater. The Gefion suffered hull damage as it struck the rocks.  The damage allowed uncontrolled water ingress and the sailing ship flooded until it settled against the breakwater. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported.

Danish authorities determined there was no risk to maritime traffic. The 42 meter long dredger Vilma Høj (IMO: 6616904) was hired to remove the Gefion from the breakwater. Reports state the Gefion was removed on July 15. The Gefion was built in 1932 on the Danish island of Thurø.

Balder

Balder

Balder
Photo: ad.nl

On the afternoon of July 18, the 98 meter long self-propelled barge Balder (MMSI: 244660032) caught fire on the Oude Maas River near Rhoon, Netherlands.  The Balder was en route to Duisburg with a cargo of coal when a fire broke out in the engine room. The fire released dense smoke making it impossible for the 3 crew to access the engine room.  The crew alerted the local fire brigade to assist. Unable to steer and moor the Balder, the fire brigade had to be transported over to the vessel. Assisted by a fireboat, the fire fighters were able to extinguish the blaze in short time. The fire fighters then ventilated the engine room. No reports of injuries to the crew and the vessel’s dog.

Balder

Reports stated the Balder was taken under tow and berthed in Rotterdam.  The water police has launched an investigation into the incident. The cause of the fire was not disclosed.

FWN Adriatic

FWN Adriatic

FWN Adriatic
Photo: pzc.nl

On the morning of July 16, the 144 meter long cargo vessel FWN Adriatic (IMO: 9970533) caught fire while berthed in Antwerp, Belgium. The fire broke out in the cargo hold loaded with plasterboard and vehicles that released dense smoke. The local fire brigade was called out and began extinguishing the blaze from the quay assisted by a fireboat. Fire fighters proceeded to close the cargo hold hatches and then pumped carbon dioxide gas into the hold to smother the flames.  The fire fighters expected the blaze to be extinguished after several hours, but the fire continued to smolder overnight.  As of July 17, the fire had not yet been extinguished on the FWN Adriatic.

Authorities issued an alert to nearby residents to keep their windows and doors shut due to the smoke.  No reports of any injuries.