On August 7, 2014, the 50 meter long fishing vessel Lilly Johanne capsized off a quay in a shipyard in Çeliktrans near Istanbul, Turkey. The Lilly Johanne was undergoing completion after being launched in January 2014 when it capsized onto its port side. Booms were placed around the fishing vessel to contain any pollution released. Reports state damage to be significant. No reports of injuries.
The 40 foot long fishing vessel Auriga capsized at the entrance to the Unakwik Inlet near Valdez, Alaska. The Auriga had been fishing near Eaglek Bay when a storm approached. The crew had ceased fishing operations and prepared for the storm when the vessel was struck by a large rogue wave. The Auriga capsized and partially sank. The four crewmen on the Auriga were rescued by the nearby fishing vessel Cornelia Marie who transported the men to Valdez. No reports of injuries. The owners of the Auriga have contracted salvage team to remove the fuel and salvage the vessel. The Auriga was reported to have 200 gallons of fuel and 18,000 pounds of fish on board at the time. The cause of the incident is under investigation.
The 17 meter long tugboat Diver Master capsized and sank near Fanö Island off Esbjerg, Denmark. The tug was assisting the 115 meter long, 1645 dwt four-masted barque Kruzenshtern out of the harbour along with the tug Svitzer Helios. The Kruzenshtern was to let go the two hawsers, one attached to each tug. One slipped free while the other became stuck. The line pulled the Diver Master down towards the Kruzenshtern flooding the vessel. A water police boat was nearby and two of the three crew on the Diver Master were able to leap to safety. A third crewman fell into the water, but a line was secured to him to avoid being pulled under. The Diver Master capsized and later sank in 10 meters of water. Authorities have monitors over the wreck site monitoring for pollution. The tugboat had some 3000 litres of fuel on board at the time of the sinking. Reports state the tug sank in the middle of the fairway obstructing traffic to and from the port of Esbjerg. A salvage team is expected to raise the tug by the following week.
