Capsize - Shipwreck Log

Cornelia Marie rescues capsized f/v Auriga

August 5, 2014 Paul Hancock

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.

CAPSIZED – Fishing vessel capsized near Valdez (thecordovatimes.com)

Tug sunk by Russian Tall Ship

August 4, 2014 Paul Hancock

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.

Merlin Capsized

August 4, 2014 Paul Hancock

The 52 meter long self-propelled dreger-barge Merlin capsized on the Rhine River in Basel, Switzerland near the port of Kleinhüningen. The Merlin was loaded with gravel when it became destabilized and capsized. The 4 crew on board were able to abandon ship before the vessel overturn with its keel out of the water. The crew were rescued by firefighters and water police.

The Merlin, pulled by the strong current, drifted into the side of the passing passenger ship Olympia. The Olympia had attempted to steer clear of the Merlin, but was struck on the port side. In this attempt, the Olympia then struck into the side of the moored passenger ship Lafayette. Both vessels sustained some hull damage and the Olympia later reported a leak and some water ingress. The 50 passengers on board the Olympia and the 100 passengers on the Lafayette were taken ashore while both vessels were inspected. No reports of injuries.

Authorities were able to secure the overturn Merlin and secure it to the shoreline. Reports state there was some pollution released into the river as some diesel fuel spilled from the Merlin. No reports of injuries.