On the early morning of February 5, the 90 meter long, 5248 dwt cargo vessel Sommen (IMO: 9968138) ran aground on the Kiel Canal near Oldenbüttel, Germany. The Sommen was en route to Avedøre from Aveiro when it suffered an electrical fault causing the vessel to veer and run up on the southern embankment. The crew was able to make repairs and the Sommen continued on its voyage before it had a second incident. As the vessel approached Rendsburg, it suffered engine failure and ran aground along the southern embankment. Authorities dispatched the tug Holtenau (IMO: 8200321) to assist. The tug pulled the Sommen free later that morning and towed it to a quay at Kiel. There the cargo vessel was inspected for damage. No reports of injuries or pollution released. The Sommen had a prior incident on the Kiel back in October 2024.
On the morning of February 4, the 75 meter long, 3013 dwt cargo vessel Hav Nordic (IMO: 8719085) ran aground on the Herøyfjord near Eggesbønes, Norway. Reports state the vessel had its rudder torn off and suffered water ingress. Multiple ballast tanks were ruptured and the Hav Nordic developed a port list. No reports of injuries to the 7 crew on board. The 22 meter long NSSR search and rescue vessel Idar Ulstein (MMSI: 257393000) arrived on scene later that morning and towed the Hav Nordic to port. No reports of pollution. The cause of the grounding was not disclosed.
On the morning of February 1, the 32 ton fishing vessel Samgwangho and the 29 ton fishing vessel 33 Manseonho ran aground in stormy conditions near Tokki Island off the coast of Jeju, South Korea. The Korean Coast Guard had received an alarm from the 33 Manseonho which also transmitted its location. The Coast Guard was able to communicate with the vessel and confirm the vessels had run up on the rocks. Six Coast Guard vessels along with one from the South Korean Navy launched a search and rescue mission. Eleven of the crew would be later rescued by the Coast Guard. Two crew members, one from each vessel, were reported missing. A nighttime search was conducted to locate the missing crew.
Reports state also that there were 2 deaths from the incident. Both the captain of the Samgwangho along with a crewmember of the 33 Manseonho suffered cardiac arrest. Both were taken to hospital where they were pronounced dead.
Both vessels sustained heavy damage by the storm as waves pounded the hulls against the rocks. An aerial view over the two vessels found they had broken apart with one missing its stern while the other lost large portion of its forepeak which washed ashore a short distance away. Pollution and debris could be seen along the nearby shoreline. There is no official statement from the owners if the vessels would be salvaged, but it appears the two fishing vessels were a total loss.
Photo: mbc.com
Photo: Koreahearld.com
Photo: mbc.com
Photo: mbc.com
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. Authorities are also investigating a possible false report of the number of crew on board the vessels. The 33 Manseonho had 8 crew on board while the Samgwangho had 7 crew. Authorities state there was some confusion to how many were reported during the rescue operations. News reports state one of the fishing vessels had suffered engine failure before running aground. No further details reported.
