Shipwreck Log - Page 17

Ron Jeremy

June 3, 2025 Paul Hancock

On the early morning of June 1, the 25 meter long tugboat Ron Jeremy (MMSI: 265587130) sank in Bothnian Bay south of Rödkallen Lighthouse near Piteå, Sweden. The tugboat was towing a barge loaded with timber when the tugboat suffered uncontrolled water ingress. The four crew members on board were unable to contain the flooding and were forced to abandon ship. Three of the crew were able to reach the barge and contact authorities. A SRS rescue boat arrived on site and rescued the three crew members. All three suffered from hypothermia and suffered minor injuries. The crew were later taken to hospital for treatment. Authorities launched a search and rescue operation for the missing crew member. Multiple SRS vessels aided by two pilot boats and aircraft from the Swedish Coast Guard and one from Finland searched the area. After several hours of searching the area, authorities were not able to find the missing crew member.

The Swedish Coast Guard reported seeing a small sheen of oil pollution over where the tugboat sank. Reports state the tug sank in 4o meters of water and divers were being sent to help close vents to prevent further fuel being released. The amount of fuel released from the Ron Jeremy has not been disclosed, but authorities have stated it should not have any environmental impact to the nearby shorelines. There are approximately 5,000 litres of diesel fuel still onboard the wreck. The incident is under investigation by the Swedish police.

Meshka

June 2, 2025 Paul Hancock

On May 31, the 180 meter long, 35829 dwt bulk carrier Meshka (IMO: 9588380) ran aground in the Öresund near Landskrona, Sweden. The Meshka was proceeding to Vysotsk from Skagen in ballast when it proceeded to be off course. Authorities alerted the vessel was on the wrong course, but the vessel didn’t change course before it grounded. The Swedish Coast Guard responded with multiple vessels to the scene. The Coast Guard found the vessel was firmly aground on the sandy bottom and the bulk carrier had no significant hull damage from the incident and there were no injuries to the 24 crew members on board.

Authorities quickly launched an investigation into the grounding. The Coast Guard questioned the crew and checked for any crew member being intoxicated which all returned negative. Reports state the crew of the Meshka was warned it was off course and had enough time to avoid going aground. Either the crew ignored the urgency to change course or failed to complete any maneuvers before it was too late. Swedish Prosecutors are looking into negligence and if criminal charges will be issued to the crew.

The owners of the Meshka have been asked to provide a salvage plan that would be approved by the Coast Guard and Swedish authorities. The Coast Guard has stated they will monitor the vessel for any potential pollution and contain it. The Meshka had some 938 tons of fuel oil in its tanks at the time of the incident.

Four Aground At Chattogram

June 1, 2025 Paul Hancock

On May 30, a strong monsoon storm struck the Bay of Bengal along the coast near the port of Chattogram, Bangladesh. The storm had wind gusts up to 40 miles per hour with downpour rain and heavy seas. Several vessels that had been at anchor were blown ashore.

Near Anwara, the tugboat Navimar-3 had been detained due to the over fuel bills. The tugboat along with the barge Mermaid-3 were blown ashore.

North of Chattogram, the tanker Al Herem was driven ashore after dragging its anchors. Reports state the tanker had lost control due to the heavy seas which washed the Al Herem onto the shore. Another tanker the 116 meter long B-LPG Sophia was blown ashore. The B-LPG Sophia had been at anchor since it had suffered an explosion and fire back in October 2024. The burnt out hull drifted ashore.

With all four vessels, there were no reports of injuries.