On the night of February 12, the 11 meter long fishing vessel La Dame de Coeur (MMSI: 9129898) sank in the Bay of Biscay at its berth at Royan, France. The vessel had sprung a leak a few days before and started to list before it sank. Authorities placed booms around the sunken vessel while it dewatered and raised it later the same day.
Photo: sudouest.fr
Reports state the vessel had been in poor shape for several years. The vessel had been moored against the quay to avoid further damage to the port. There has been no statement if the vessel would be salvaged and all indications point to the La Dame de Coeur to be scrapped.
On the morning of February 15, the 207 meter long, 33767 dwt container ship MSC Baltic III (IMO: 9241475) ran aground in the Gulf of St. Lawrence near Lark Harbour, Newfoundland, Canada. The MSC Baltic III had lost power and was adrift in stormy weather with winds over 120 kilometers per hour and waves reaching 6 meters in height. The vessel dropped its starboard anchor hoping to keep the vessel from running aground, but the effort failed and the MSC Baltic III ran ashore along the rocky coastline.
The MSC Baltic III issued a distress call with the Canadian Coast Guard dispatching the 100 meter long, 6,166 gt cutter Henry Larsen along with multiple helicopters to assist. Cormorant helicopters arrived on scene a few hours later and was able to airlift all 20 crew off the MSC Baltic III to safety. No reports of injuries.
Photo: x.com
Photo: cbc.ca
Photo: Canadian Coast Guard
The cause of the power failure was not disclosed. Authorities are monitoring the vessel for potential pollution being released from the fuel tanks. An inspection of damage would be conducted when weather conditions improve. No reports of containers breaking free and going overboard. Reports state the MSC Baltic III was headed for Corner Brook, Newfoundland from Montreal, Quebec with a cargo of containers.
On the afternoon of February 13, the 180 meter long, 32401 dwt bulk carrier Lila Incheon (IMO: 9571272) allided on Elbe River at Brunsbüttel, Germany. The vessel was maneuvering to berth at the port when human error caused the vessel to strike the quay wall. The Lila Incheon sustained hull damage with a hole above the waterline, but there were no injuries, water ingress or pollution released. Authorities have detained the vessel until repairs can be completed and the vessel inspected for seaworthiness.
