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Category: Pollution

Tallink Autoexpress 2

Tallink Autoexpress 2

Tallink Autoexpress 2
Photo: laverdaddemonagas.com

The 82 meter long, 361 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry Tallink Autoexpress 2 sank in Bay of Pozuelos at Puerto la Cruz, Venezuela.  The ferry had been laid up in port for several years after a fracture was found in the hull.  The ferry had no power on board and depended on power provided by the pier to keep the vessel’s pumps working.  Reports state the power was removed eight months ago and the vessel had no working pumps. 

On August 4, the two people watching the Tallink Autoexpress 2 reported the vessel had suffered water ingress and the water levels were rising inside the vessel.  The owners dispatched a pump to the scene, but the single pump was unable to keep up with the flooding. 

Tallink Autoexpress 2
Photo: elpitazo.com

By August 7, the Tallink Autoexpress 2 had sunk by the stern.  Reports state pollution was released as the Tallink Autoexpress 2 had some 40,000 litres of diesel fuel in its tanks. Authorities placed barriers around the hull and absorbent pads to collect the fuel spill.  

This is the third ro-ro passenger ferry to sink near Puerto la Cruz  since 2010.  The Mrs. Juana sank in 2010 and the Carmen Ernestina sank in 2016.  Four other ferries are berthed in Puerto la Cruz waiting to be scrapped.

 

Bow Jubail

Bow Jubail

Bow Jubail

The 183 meter long, 37500 dwt tanker Bow Jubail allided with a pier at Rotterdam, Netherlands.  The Bow Jubail had a pilot on board and was being escorted by a tug when it struck the jetty against the starboard hull. The hull was breached rupturing the bunker tanks. Some 217 tons of fuel oil spilt out of the Bow Jubail into the harbor.  No reports of injuries to the 29 crew on board. 

Authorities dispatched harbor vessels and fire boats to the scene to contain the pollution.  Booms were placed to help contain some of the oil, but reports state the pollution may impact shorelines.  Several reports state wildlife including birds were found to be coated by oil.  Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

Lago Icalma

Lago Icalma

Lago Icalma
Photo: twitter

On April 25, the 62 meter long, 1563 dwt cargo vessel Lago Icalma allided with the barge Rano Aroi II in Hanga Roa Bay, Easter Island. The Lago Icalma was at anchor when the barge Rano Aroi II arrived on scene to begin lightering operations.  The barge struck the against the Lago Icalma breaching the hull and rupturing a fuel tank. Diesel fuel was released into the water.  Local authorities arrived on scene and placed booms around the hull, but some pollution washed ashore.  Reports state absorbent materials were used to collect most of the diesel fuel from the shoreline.   The crew of the Lago Icalma transferred fuel from the damaged tank and was able to seal the breach.  No reports of injuries.