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Author: Paul Hancock

Noord

Noord

Noord
Photo: noordhollandsdagblad.nl

On the morning of February 17, the 54 meter long workboat Noord (MMSI: 244750831) allided on the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal near Diemen, Netherlands. The Noord‘s crane struck high voltage cables resulting in two cables falling into the canal with a third cable damaged. Authorities halted traffic along the canal while repairs could be made on the cables. Reports state the traffic on the canal resumed later in the afternoon the same day, but upwards to 50 vessels had been delayed from the incident.  No reports of injuries or pollution released.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. The reason why the crane was elevated high enough to strike the cables was not disclosed.

La Dame de Coeur

La Dame de Coeur

La Dame de Coeur
Photo: sudouest.fr

On the night of February 12, the 11 meter long fishing vessel La Dame de Coeur (MMSI: 9129898) sank in the Bay of Biscay at its berth at Royan, France. The vessel had sprung a leak a few days before and started to list before it sank. Authorities placed booms around the sunken vessel while it dewatered and raised it later the same day.

La Dame de Coeur
Photo: sudouest.fr

Reports state the vessel had been in poor shape for several years. The vessel had been moored against the quay to avoid further damage to the port. There has been no statement if the vessel would be salvaged and all indications point to the La Dame de Coeur to be scrapped.

MSC Baltic III

MSC Baltic III

MSC Baltic III
Photo: Canadian Coast Guard

On the morning of February 15, the 207 meter long, 33767 dwt container ship MSC Baltic III (IMO: 9241475) ran aground in the Gulf of St. Lawrence near Lark Harbour, Newfoundland, Canada. The MSC Baltic III had lost power and was adrift in stormy weather with winds over 120 kilometers per hour and waves reaching 6 meters in height. The vessel dropped its starboard anchor hoping to keep the vessel from running aground, but the effort failed and the MSC Baltic III ran ashore along the rocky coastline.

The MSC Baltic III issued a distress call with the Canadian Coast Guard dispatching the 100 meter long, 6,166 gt cutter Henry Larsen along with multiple helicopters to assist. Cormorant helicopters arrived on scene a few hours later and was able to airlift all 20 crew off the MSC Baltic III to safety. No reports of injuries.

The cause of the power failure was not disclosed. Authorities are monitoring the vessel for potential pollution being released from the fuel tanks. An inspection of damage would be conducted when weather conditions improve. No reports of containers breaking free and going overboard. Reports state the MSC Baltic III was headed for Corner Brook, Newfoundland from Montreal, Quebec with a cargo of containers.