Browsed by
Author: Paul Hancock

Strait of Hormuz Collision

Strait of Hormuz Collision

 

On the evening of June 16, the 336 meter long, 156452 gt VLCC tanker Front Eagle (IMO: 9855343) collided with the 274 meter long, 164551 dwt Suezmax tanker Adalynn (IMO: 9231767) in the the Gulf of Oman some 22 nautical miles off Khor Fakkan, United Arab Emirates.  The Front Eagle had departed from the Khor Fakkan anchorage fully loaded when it completed a starboard turn bound for Zhoushan.  During the maneuver the Front Eagle struck the aft port quarter of the passing Adalynn.  The collision resulted in a hull breached and massive fire on the Adalynn. The blaze quickly spread and consumed the superstructure of the tanker.  With the fire out of control the 24 crew of the Adalynn abandoned ship and rescued by UAE National Guard.  The fire had spread onto the deck of the Front Eagle.  The crew of the Front Eagle were able to extinguish the fire. No reports of injuries.

Reports state the cause of the incident may have been a navigational error on the Front Eagle.  However, there have been prior incidents of GPS signals being spoofed. UAE authorities have stated the incident is not “security related”.  News accounts stated the fire continues to engulf the Adalynn.  No word if UAE or other authorities in the area will attempt to extinguish the fire or just allow the tanker to sink.

 

Peregrine

Peregrine

Peregrine
Photo: nps.gov

Just after midnight on June 14, the 25 foot long National Park Service vessel Peregrine ran aground on Lake Superior at the northern end of the Keweenaw Upper Entrance in Hancock, Michigan. The Peregrine was heading to Houghton, Michigan from Isle Royale with 6 persons on board when it struck the breakwater. The United States Coast Guard was contacted and launched the 45 foot long response boat to the scene. There the Coast Guard transferred two passengers, who were being transported from the island to the mainland for medical treatment, to a nearby boat launch where they were met by medical responders.  The Coast Guard returned and safely transferred the remaining park service rangers to shore. No reports of injuries. Reports states the Peregrine was towed to Houghton later that afternoon.  No reports of any pollution was released.  The cause of the grounding and amount of damage to the Peregrine was not disclosed.

Berlin

Berlin

Berlin
Photo: nwzonline.de

On the evening of June 15, the 174 meter long German Naval Supply Vessel Berlin (MMSI: 211211730) allided with the lock at Wilhelmshaven, Germany. The warship departed from the repair pier assisted by 3 tugs when it struck the lock wheelhouse. The wheelhouse sustained significant damage with walls destroyed and debris into the lock chamber. The Berlin sustained a large dent along its starboard hull, but it was able proceeded back to its berth. There were no injuries.

Divers arrived on site and begun removing debris from the lock to allow the gate to function.  By the following afternoon, the lock was reopened. Authorities have stated the wheelhouse will be demolished and a temporary structure will be used for the short-term.