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Category: Grounding

Joy George

Joy George

Joy George
Photo: myjoyonline.com

On August 19, the fishing vessel Joy George, CR-338-EL partially sank in the Gulf of Guinea just outside Elmina Castle, Ghana. The Joy George had departed from Elmina at low tide and as it departed out of the harbour it struck some submerged rocks.  The vessel’s hull was gashed and quickly flooded within minutes. Fortunately, a rescue boat was nearby and quickly came to the aid of the Joy George.  All 23 crew on board the fishing vessel were safely rescued and taken ashore.  No reports of injuries.

The Joy George was later recovered and towed to the safety of the breakwater off Elmina Castle.  Reports state the Joy George had just recently been built and is the second largest vessel operating out of Elmina. Local fishermen in the area stated the rocks are a known navigation hazard. The boulders were part of the breakwater construction and present an obstacle for vessels entering and leaving the harbour. Locals also stated the sandbars have formed near the harbour entrance making navigation difficult.

 

Nordstjernen

Nordstjernen

Nordstjernen
Photo: bluewin.ch

On the evening of August 19, the 80 meter long passenger ship Nordstjernen (IMO: 5255777) ran aground on the Warnow River at Warnemünde, Germany.  The Nordstjernen had been reversing out of its berth in Warnemünde when it suffered a mechanical malfunction. The passenger ship’s engine failed to respond to move forward and crashed into the embankment on the opposite side of the river and went aground. The crew was able to resolve the malfunction and proceeded under its own power back to is berth Warnemünde.

Nordstjernen
Photo: ostsee-zeitung.de

Authorities detained the Nordstjernen from further sailings and launched an investigation into the incident.  The tug Fairplay 55 (IMO: 9021124) took the Nordstjernen under tow to Rostock where it was inspected for damage and a technical safety survey before the vessel can continue on its voyage.  Initial reports state the malfunction was caused by the pneumatic control of the controllable-pitch propeller. No reports of injuries to 31 passengers on board  or pollution released.

BD98470TS

BD98470TS

BD98470TS
Photo: sggp.org.vn

On the morning of August 14, the 18.2 meter long fishing vessel BD98570TS ran aground in the South China Sea 1 nautical mile off the coast of Xom Cat Village, Vietnam. The tuna fishing vessel had struck a reef resulting in uncontrolled water ingress. The BD98470TS partially sank. There were no injuries to the 5 crew on board.

The fishing vessel requested assistance with the Vietnam authorities dispatching a border patrol vessel to the scene.  The patrol vessel was able to locate the BD98570TS  and rescue all crew members.  Authorities were able to help dewater the fishing vessel and pull the vessel off the reef.  Reports state the BD98470TS was taken under tow back to Quy Nhon port for repairs.