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Author: Paul Hancock

Collision on the Waal

Collision on the Waal

Septimo
Photo: beuningen.nieuws.nl

On the morning of Aug 29, the 135 meter long self-propelled barge Septimo collided with the 107 meter long self-propelled barge Orfeo (MMSI: 244150430) and barge VHG 99 on the Waal River near Winssen, Netherlands.  The Septimo had departed from Rotterdam with 3,200 tons of rapeseed when it collided head-on with the Orfeo sailing from Schwelgern to Rotterdam. The collision resulted with the barge VHG 99 pushed up onto the bow of the Septimo wedging it on one of Septimo‘s bollards.

Authorities partially closed river traffic on the Waal while efforts were made to separate the barges. After several hours, the bollard was welded off the Septimo and the two barges floated free. Traffic was restored allowing some 85 vessels to continue on their voyage. Reports stated the Septimo was able to proceed to Werkendam where it discharged its cargo to another vessel before proceeding into a shipyard for repairs. The Orfeo was able to proceed on to Rotterdam. No further details provided on the outcome for the barge VHG 99.

Durward Knowles

Durward Knowles

Photo: ewnews.com

On the morning of August 30, the 43 meter long, 241 gt Royal Bahamas Defence Force patrol vessel Durward Knowles (IMO: 9729518) allided in the Windward Channel off Matthew Town, Great Inagua Island, Bahamas. The Durward Knowles was approaching a jetty in Matthew Town when it suffered a malfunction with the pitch propeller system. The patrol vessel was attempting to go full astern, but instead lurched forward and struck the jetty.  The jetty was severely damage from the impact, but there were no injuries on board the vessel.  Damage to the vessel was not disclosed.

Reports state the Durward Knowles had gone under repairs earlier this summer at Fort Benning to repair the pitch propeller system. Bahamian authorities stated the vessel will undergo a full technical review to ensure the issue is corrected. The incident is under investigation.

Locar LH XXIV

Locar LH XXIV

Locar LH XXIV
Photo: facebook

On August 21, the 32 meter long, 421 dwt tugboat Locar LH XXIV ran aground in the South Atlantic off Maria da Rosa beach, Brazil.  Reports state that several attempts were made to free the tugboat. Two tugboats attempted to pull the Locar LH XXIV free, but the towline snapped.

It would not be until August 24 before the Locar LH XXIV was finally refloated during high tide.  No reports of injuries. No further details were reported.