Express 5

Express 5

Express 5
Photo: tv2bornholm.dk

On November 25, the 31 meter long, 1000 dwt catamaran ro-ro passenger ferry Express 5 (IMO: 9913286) allided in the Baltic Sea off Bornholm, Denmark. The Express 5, one of the largest catamaran ferries in the world, was departing from Rønne when it struck the breakwater. The ferry sustained hull damage with a long crease along its starboard hull. The Express 5 had to return to its berth and passengers were disembarked. No reports of injuries.

The Express 5 was taken to a drydock for repairs. After temporary repairs were completed on November 29, the vessel was allowed to go back into service  Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

Brisen

Brisen

Brisen

On November 30, the 67 meter long, 2103 dwt tanker Brisen (IMO: 9970595) ran aground in the Baltic Sea near Sandhamn, Sweden. The Brisen was en route to Stockholm from Karlskrona with a cargo of bunker oil when it grounded and sustained hull damage. Authorities found the vessel had sustained several holes in the vessel’s ballast tanks. The tanker would be refloated the next day and proceeded to Stockholm. No reports of injuries or pollution released.

Authorities launched an investigation into the incident. Reports state the Brisen did not have a pilot on board at the time of the grounding.

Wind Walker

Wind Walker

Wind Walker
Photo: Visit Sitka Facebook Page

Just after midnight on December 1, the 50 foot long fishing vessel Wind Walker (MMSI: 367610250) capsized and sunk in the Icy Strait near Point Couverden, Alaska. The Wind Walker had sent out a distress call stating the vessel was “overturning” which was received by the nearby 85 meter long, 6096 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry Hubbard (IMO:9812808). The Hubbard relayed the message to the United States Coast Guard. The Coast Guard also received an EPIRB alert from the Wind Walker suggesting the vessel had foundered after it capsized.

Hubbard
Ferry Hubbard

The ferry Hubbard was first to reach the area of the distress call. The search found seven cold-water immersion suits and two strobe lights in the sea. The Coast Guard was conducting the search of the area with a Jayhawk helicopter and a 45-foot response boat. The search is also being assisted by the Hubbard and other fishing vessels for the missing crew of the Wind Walker. Unconfirmed reports state there were 5 crew on board the Wind Walker at the time. The Coast Guard stated the fishing vessel had been in rough conditions with heavy blinding snow with 60 mile per hour winds and seas with 6 foot swells. The Coast Guard has stated they have the cutter Healy is now in the search area and the cutter Douglas Denman was being directed to the area to assist in the efforts.