The 198 meter long, 43867 dwt bulk freighter Isoldana went aground onto embankment in the Kiel Canal near Schinkel, Germany. The vessel was refloated by the aid of a tug later the same day. The tug towed the Isoldana back to Kiel. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released. The water police launched an investigation into the incident.
The 80 meter long self-propelled tanker-barge Beate went aground on the Elbe River near Magdeburg, Germany. The Beate was entering the basin of the canal when it went struck an embankment. The Beate suffered hull damage with one cargo tank breached allowing one ton of diesel fuel to be released. Local fire brigade responded to the scene and deployed containment booms around the Beate. An environmental crew will later vacuum the diesel fuel from the water. No reports of injuries. The crew was able to make repairs with a temporary patch to the hull. The water police have launched an investigation into the incident.
After four days, the 68 meter long minesweeper USS Guardian has remained stuck on Tubbataha Reef. Rough weather has pushed the vessel further up onto the coral reef. Initially stranded at the bow, the USS Guardian now rests broadside to the reef with the starboard hull on the reef. The Navy reports that the hull has begun to list to port and there is evidence the vessel has suffered water ingress. However, no signs of oil pollution yet being released.
Along with several US Navy vessels, Philippine Coast Guard and a salvage tug remain on scene. Forecasts show high winds and 2 meter waves in the area to continue for several more days preventing containment booms being deployed. A lighter vessel is scheduled to arrive on scene with oil recovery equipment.
The Navy has reported that a major factor to the cause of the grounding was an error on a digital chart. The paper copy of the chart along with other digital charts correctly showed the reef location, but the one digital version on the USS Guardian had anomaly. Naval authorities have stated that the investigation into the grounding will continue looking at other potential factors.
