On the morning of November 3, the 24 meter long motor vessel Kehrheim sprung a leak in the Baltic Sea while berth at Burgstaaken, Germany. Reports state the Kehrheim had partially sank during the night after the bilge pump had failed. The local fire brigade was called out which brought dewatering pumps to the scene. Fire fighters deployed a boom around the vessel to contain any pollution while 4 dewatering pumps were able to contain the flooding. After several hours, the Kehrheim was stable and the bilge pump would be repaired. No reports of injuries.
On the night of October 26, the 96 meter long catamaran ro-ro passenger ferry Manannan (IMO: 9176072) sustained damage on the Irish Sea. The Manannan departed from Liverpool bound for Douglas, Isle of Man on its final voyage for the season loaded with passengers and vehicles. As the high speed ferry proceeded down the Mersey, there was indications of a rough crossing. Winds were blowing over a force 7 (~35 mph) and the forecast of waves heights of 2.7 meters. Even with precautions taken and conditions still within operational limits of the Manannan, the rough seas resulted in damaging vehicles on the car deck. Damages to the individual vehicles were not disclosed, but reports state some 40 vehicles sustained some damage. Majority passengers on board suffered sea sickness and some reports of minor injuries.
Photo: Manxradio.com
When the Manannan arrived in Douglas, some passengers were taken by ambulance. Due to the pounding of the sea, the vehicles on the car deck had dislodged and could not be offloaded immediately. Passengers would have to wait to the following morning before they could pickup the vehicle and get an assessment on damages. Reports stated that conditions on the Irish Sea were far beyond the forecasted. No indication that any further inquiries will be taken on the incident.
On the morning of October 22, the 112 meter long, 1200 dwt ro-ro pasenger ferry Hamnavoe (IMO: 9246061) suffered damage while crossing the Pentland Firth off Scotland. The Hamnavoe was en route to Scrabster from Stromness when it suffered a cargo shift. Two vans and 3 cars on the vehicle deck sustained damage, but there were no injuries on board. The ferry was able to proceed with a starboard list and reached Scrabster under its own power. There the passengers and undamaged vehicles were unloaded. No reports if the Hamnavoe had sustained any damage caused by the cargo shift.
Photo: inverness-courier.co.uk
Photo: inverness-courier.co.uk
Photo: inverness-courier.co.uk
Photo: inverness-courier.co.uk
Reports state the crew carried out a full review after the incident. The UK Marine Accident Investigation Board stated they were making enquiries to determine if an investigation was warranted. There were no reports of pollution released. The Hamnavoe returned to service later the same day.
