On the morning of December 17, the 95.5 meter long, 710 dwt high speed ro-ro ferry Volcán de Teno (IMO: 9221346) became disabled in the Atlantic Ocean between San Sebastián de La Gomera and Los Cristianos, Canary Islands. The vessel was halfway between the ports when it suffered problems with one of its engines. Proceeding at reduced speed under its own power in moderate seas, the Volcán de Teno diverted to Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The vessel arrived at the port assisted by 2 tugboats. There were no reports of injuries or pollution released.
On the morning of December 14, the 28 meter long, 345 gt fishing vessel Fastnet (IMO: 9244465) ran aground in the Dingle Bay near Binn Bán beach outside of outside Cuan an Daingin, County Kerry, Ireland. The Fastnet had departed from Dingle Harbour in poor conditions with heavy seas when it suffered engine failure. The trawler went adrift and sent out a distress call. Irish Coast Guard responded by dispatching a fixed wing aircraft along with a rescue helicopter while the RNLI launched the 17 meter long lifeboat John and Margaret Doig (MMSI: 232002460) from the Valentia Island.
The RNLI lifeboat assisted by local boats arrived on scene. The vessels attempted to connect a towline to the trawler, but were unsuccessful. Before any further attempts to save the Fastnet could be made, the trawler was blown ashore onto the rocks. Unconfirmed reports state the trawler sustained hull damage and potentially to the fuel tanks.
A rescue helicopter would later safely hoist all 14 crew off the Fastnet. The crew were taken ashore and were evaluated for injuries by emergency personnel. Authorities have initiated an environmental response plan to the incident. Salvage teams have been engaged to mitigate diesel fuel released. The extent of damage and the amount of pollution released has not been disclosed.
On December 12, the 21 meter long fishing vessel Ventumar (MMSI: 224167590) became disabled in the Balearic Sea approximately 8 nautical miles east of Valencia, Spain. The Ventumar had its propeller entangled in a net. The vessel requested assistance with the Salvamento Maritimó responding. The Salvamento Maritimó dispatched the 20 meter long lifeboat Salvamar Pollux (MMSI: 224019770) which took the Ventumar under tow back to the port of Valencia. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
