On September 22, the 22 meter long fishing vessel Ornefjeld (MMSI: 512455000) ran aground in the Ōrākei Marina, Auckland, New Zealand. The Ornefjeld arrived at the marina to refuel right before high tide. As the vessel was refueling, the tide went out leaving the fishing vessel aground. The vessel remained stuck at the berth until the next high tide when it was able to free itself. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released. Reports state the Ornefjeld has a large draft which lead to the grounding.
On September 17, the 87 meter long 2999 dwt tanker Thailaemthong 8 ran aground in the Gulf of Thailand on the shore of Koh Mai Si, Koh Kood, Thailand. The Thailaemthong 8 was returning to Rayong after delivering a cargo of green oil, a fuel used in local fishing boats, when it suffered an engine breakdown and power failure in bad weather. Waves of 2 to 3 meters pushed the disabled tanker until it grounded on the rocks just offshore. A distress call was sent to authorities, but heavy seas prevented any rescue boats reaching the vessel initially. Eventually, a boat was able to navigate out to the tanker and found the Thailaemthong 8 in stable condition.
The Thailaemthong 8 sustained hull damage and water ingress. The tanker’s engine room has been flooded, but the vessel’s pumps have been able to control the flooding. The tanker is in no danger of sinking. No reports of injuries to the 10 crew on board. There are some concerns of oil pollution being released and the tanker is being monitored. Since there was minimal oil on board, authorities suggest minimal risk of environmental damage.
Photo: pattayamail.com
Photo: pattayamail.com
Photo: pattayamail.com
Photo: pattayamail.com
Reports state the Thailaemthong 8 had dropped anchor and waiting for repairs. No details on salvage or refloating efforts.
On September 14, the 16 meter long Sara Lena BM 30 (IMO: 8528852) ran aground in Ardglass harbour, Northern Ireland. The vessel had run up on the rocks and requested assistance. The Newcastle Coastguard along with the RNLI Portaferry lifeboat responded. The lifeboat stood by while the Coastguard dispatched a helicopter from Wales to rescue the crew. The helicopter winched up two crew off the Sara Lena and carried them to shore. No reports of injuries.
The Sara Lena continued to be pounded by waves against the rocks during the night. By the next morning the Sara Lena had sank below the waves. No reports if authorities will launch an investigation into the incident. No further details reported.
