The 117 meter long, 10,300 dwt cement carrier Iriana ran aground (IMO: 9821158) went aground of Fangshang, Taiwan. The Iriana had suffered a mechanical breakdown and had to drop anchor as Typhoon Gaemi approached. The winds over 115 mph and heavy seas over 20 feet were too much and the vessel’s anchor began to drag. Unable to maneuver the cement carrier was driven ashore. No reports of injuries to the 20 crew.
On the morning of June 25, the 80 meter long, 3002 dwt cargo vessel Baltic Arrow (IMO: 9243863) ran aground on the River Nene near Wisbech, England. The Baltic Arrow was proceeding to Wisbech from Riga with a cargo of timber with a pilot onboard. While making a course correction, the Baltic Arrow swung to starboard and ran aground with the bow stuck on the river bank and the stern on the opposite bank. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
Initial attempts to refloat the vessel were unsuccessful due to the low water levels. A later attempt assisted by two tugs was successful later the same day on the evening high tide. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. A preliminary report stated the pilot didn’t realize he had over-corrected the vessel’s heading resulting in the grounding. Fatigue was mentioned as a contributing factor as the pilot was at the helm for over 2 hours. Local authorities have done a survey of the river and begun additional training for its pilots.
On June 8, the 20 meter long passenger vessel Bide-A-Wee ran aground on the Canadian side of St. Marys River. The Bide-A-Wee loaded with passengers was in the middle of a tour of the Soo Locks when it struck bottom on the northern side of the river. The vessel contacted authorities that there were no injuries and the vessel was stable. Taking a cautious approach, a response boat from the United States Coast Guard arrived on scene and assisted in transferring passengers to the ferry Hiawatha. After the passengers were safely transferred, the Bide-A-Wee was refloated under its own power assisted by a tug. No reports of damage or pollution released. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
