Browsed by
Author: Paul Hancock

Eiltank 4

Eiltank 4

Eiltank 4
Photo: digitaalburg.com

On the evening of January 15, the 85 meter long self-propelled tanker-barge Eiltank 4 (MMSI: 211489060) ran aground on the Waal River near Brakel, Germany. The tanker had suffered engine failure and went adrift until it ran up onto a groyne.  The Brakel fire brigade arrived on scene and found the vessel stuck but stable.  The following day, the container-barge Mellizo (MMSI: 244630034) assisted with pulling the tanker free off the groyne. The Eiltank 4 later proceeded to Dordrectht escorted by patrol boats. Reports state the vessel was undamaged and there was no injuries or pollution released.

Eiltank 4
Photo: digitaalburg.com
Viking Vela

Viking Vela

Viking Vela
Photo: rbnett.no

On January 13, the 240 meter long, 47800 gt passenger ship Viking Vela (IMO: 9852432) sustained damage on the North Sea. The Viking Vela was headed to Narvik, Norway from Ijmuiden, Holland when it encountered weather worse than forecasted. The vessel was rocked by severe weather with waves reaching 35 feet and winds over 100 miles-per-hours.  Reports state many of the passengers had sustained minor injuries caused by the heavy swells. Passengers stated that furniture was tossed about with beds, tables and luggage strewn on the floor.

The vessel also sustained some damage. The crew alerted Norwegian authorities that it had issues with its propulsion.  One of the thrusters reported a wear alarm which required attention and the vessel diverted to the safety of Ålesund. Escorted by two tugs, the Viking Vela was able to reach port safely.  No further details of the extent of damage to the thruster was reported.

Reports state the vessel extended its stay at Ålesund for several more days.  As of January 16, the vessel remained in port stating it was too rough to continue.  Passengers have received a partial refund as it has cancelled part of the voyage.

MTS Terramare

MTS Terramare

MTS Terramare
Photo: RNLI

On the morning of January 14, the 24.5 meter long, 115 gt ro-ro survey vessel MTS Terramare (IMO: 8843329) went aground in St. Brides Bay off Newgale Beach in Pembrokeshire, Wales. The MTS Terramare was engaged in some cable work when it suffered engine failure and went adrift. The survey vessel would be pushed by three to five foot waves until it washed up on the beach at high tide. The vessel was nearly high and dry allowing the crew to safely evacuate.  No reports of injuries to the crew.

The HM Coastguard was alerted and requested the RNLI lifeboat Norah Wortley to be dispatched to assist. The lifeboat reached the scene a short time later and found the MTS Terramare firmly ashore. Rescuers determined the vessel was in unfavorable position being broadside onto the beach and would be unfeasible to be salvaged by the lifeboat. Finding all the crew safely ashore, the RNLI returned back to base.

No reports of what salvage efforts would be done with the survey vessel. Authorities may suggest if salvage is too costly for the 65 year old vessel (built in 1960), the vessel may be scrapped in situ. Local reports do not report any signs of pollution has been released at this time.