On October 30, the 135 meter long self-propelled passenger ship Viking LIf (IMO: 1212480) ran aground on the Danube River near the village of Garla Mare, Romania. The Viking Lif had departed from Turnu Magurele bound for Vienna with 180 passengers and 53 crew when it stranded on a sandbank. The passenger ship remained aground until the following morning when water levels had risen to allow it to be refloated. The Viking Lif continued on its voyage to Austria. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution.
On the night of October 30, two 140-foot long hopper barges were blown ashore on Long Island Sound some 5 miles off Milford, Connecticut. The barges had broke their moorings caused by the strong winds from the remains of Hurricane Melissa. The winds pushed the barges up against the shoreline and seawall. Local authorities along with the United States Coast Guard were alerted to the incident. There were no injuries as there were no personnel on the barges.
Authorities stated the 2 barges will be salvaged and towed back to their original moorings on the next rising tide and if weather conditions allow. The 23.5 meter long tugboat James William (IMO: 8654364) will tow the barges to their mooring. No reports of pollution released.
Reports state the barges are owned by Buchanan Marine and were frequently used between New Haven, Stamford and New York City.
On the night of October 25, the 90 meter long ro-ro passenger ferry Lite Ferry 10 (MMSI: 548665300) ran aground in the Bohol Sea off Larena, Siquijor, Philippines. The Lite Ferry 10 had departed from Tagbilaran, Bohol with 359 passengers and 45 crew onboard with 250 passengers bound for Plaridel while 109 passengers were travelling to Siquijor. For undisclosed reasons, the ferry ran aground firmly on a coral reef near the shoreline with its bow nearly out of the water.
The Philippine Coast Guard was alerted to the incident and began efforts to rescue the passengers and crew. The Coast Guard arrived on scene and assisted in getting all 359 passengers and 45 crew were safely transferred off the ferry. Afterwards, the Coast Guard began attempts to pull the Lite Ferry 10 free. The first attempted failed as a tugboat was only able to pull the ferry a few meters. Another attempt would be made the next day on the next high tide.
Photo: facebook
Photo: facebook
Photo: facebook
Photo: pna.gov.ph
Reports state that divers made an inspection of the hull and found there were no breaches, but the coral reef had sustained damage. No oil pollution had been detected, but the Philippine Coast Guard had booms ready if any pollution is detected. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
