Pollution - Shipwreck Log

On the morning of December 4, the 27 meter long fishing vessel Pavlof (MMSI: 338132058) sank in the Chilkat Inlet within the harbor of Haines, Alaska. Harbor authorities were alerted finding the Pavlof resting on the bottom on its port hull. Booms were placed around the partially sunk hull to help contain some of the 1300 gallons of diesel fuel onboard. Staff would continued to help secure the vessel as it disconnected the electrical and connections to free the vessel. Work continued well into the evening with divers attaching lines to the hull and connecting the fishing vessel to a barge.

On the following morning, the Pavlof’s was secured and partially refloated and was upright. Three of the 4 fuel vents were closed and the remaining fuel can be pumped off the vessel. Initial reports suggest that snow may have been the cause of the sinking. No reports of injuries.

Hai 4

November 26, 2025 Paul Hancock

On the afternoon of November 21, the 24 meter long fishing vessel Hai 4 (MMSI: 211228840) sank in the Ems-Jade Canal near the Wiesbadenbrücke in Wilhelmshaven, Germany. Reports state nearby residents heard a loud bang as the mooring lines of the Hai 4 broke as the vessel sunk to the bottom of canal. The local fire brigade deployed booms around the Hai 4 to contain oil and fuel pollution that has leaked out. The pollution is being pumped from the surface to prevent it spreading further.

Authorities state the vessel had been unmanned and moored for sometime before it sank. The Hai 4 had been monitored by authorities and had planned an inspection before the vessel sank. Currently, there is a search to find who is the current owner who will be held liable for the costs from the incident. The port authority stated a crane will be needed to lift and remove the fishing vessel from the canal.

The Hai 4 was built in 1943 as a fishing trawler. The vessel had been used to carry passengers up to 2022 when the vessel was sold to its current owners.

Typhoon Kalmaegi

November 9, 2025 Paul Hancock

On November 6, Typhoon Kalmaegi made landfall in Dak Lak province, Vietnam. The typhoon had sustained winds of 92 miles per hour along with heavy rains and waves reaching up to 25 feet. The result was hundred of vessels, mostly smaller coastal fishing boats, were driven ashore or sunk along the coast. Authorities have not disclosed to the total extent of injuries, damage and pollution released, but there are some details reported from areas impacted by the storm.

Near Vung Chao, there were at least 200 vessels severely damaged either ashore or sunk. Local fishermen report that many vessels were damaged beyond salvage. Many were recovering fishing nets, engines and other equipment. Those fishing vessels only slightly damaged will be hoisted using cranes from the shoreline with the typical repair cost 20 to 30 million dong (VND).

In the port of De Gi, there were reports of at least 10 fishing vessels sunk or aground from the storm. Reports state that some vessels were torn away from their anchorage by a large wave and driven up on the rocks.