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Author: Paul Hancock

Wan Hai 503 Update

Wan Hai 503 Update

Wan Hai 503
Photo: Indian Coast Guard

June 12 Update

Reports state the container vessel Wan Hai 503 which has been ablaze since June 9 has been successfully secured with a towing hawser. The towline was secured to the Indian Coast Guard vessel Samudra Prahari which keeping the container vessel from drifting closer to the shoreline. The Coast Guard plans to hand the towing to several tugboats which will pull the Wan Hai 503 further away from shore.

Four Indian Coast Guard vessels, Indian Air Force helicopters and salvage teams have now reported the fire approximately 40 percent under control. Multiple inner decks are still ablaze and dense grey smoke still emits from the forward cargo holds. Some 20,000 litres of fire fighting foam is being transported from Mumbai to help extinguish the fire. Helicopters are using dry chemical agents while vessels continue to spray water onto the vessel.

Indian Authorities still have concerns of the environmental impact if the blaze ignites the 2128 metric tons of fuel or reaches the hazardous cargo within some of the containers onboard. Officials have stated that some 24 containers had fallen into the sea with some possibly still afloat, but most have sunk.

Hein

Hein

Hein
Photo: guardian.co.tt

On June 11, the 62 meter long, 1065 dwt cargo vessel Hein (IMO: 6702284) ran aground in the Gulf of Paria off the Chaguaramas Peninsula on Monas Island, Trinidad and Tobago. The Hein was headed to St Vincent and Grenadines with a cargo of bricks when it suffered a cargo shift and developed a heavy list to port. The vessel changed course and was intentionally driven aground  before it capsized.  No reports of injuries.

Authorities report the Hein partially sank along the portside stern. Oil pollution was spotted around the cargo vessel caused by the bilge. Island authorities have stated efforts are being made to stabilize and refloat the cargo vessel. A local advocacy group has asked urgent action taken to avoid damage to the marine life.

Seahorse Update

Seahorse Update

Seahorse
Photo: youtube.com

June 11 Update

The United States Coast Guard states the 30 foot fishing vessel Seahorse was discovered sunk in Cape Cod Bay in 25 feet of water near Billingsgate Shoal off Wellfleet, Massachusetts. The Seahorse was discovered by a recreational fisherman who was dragging fishing gear during low tide.  The Coast Guard dispatched the cutter William Sparling to the site. Divers were able to identify the fishing vessel and found two bodies within the vessel.  Divers recovered the bodies and authorities have contacted their families.

The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident. They are looking into when and why the vessel sank. The Coast Guard plans to begin salvage operations and recover the fishing vessel.

Some information about the vessel has been released to the media. A family member stated the Seahorse was fishing in an area not typical for it. A report with a person familiar with the vessel stated the Seahorse could be “tender” to rolling.  Another report stated the Seahorse was mechanically sound after being inspected by a mechanic.  There have been no statements if the Seahorse was equipped with a EPIRB or why there was no distress call made before the vessel sank.