Badger

Badger

Badger
Photo: mlive.com

On the morning of September 17, the 120 meter long, 2299 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry SS Badger (IMO: 5033583) allided on Lake Michigan at Ludington, Michigan. The Badger had completed a voyage from Manitowoc, Wisconsin across Lake Michigan and entered Ludington harbor. As the ferry maneuvered to its berth, the vessel’s sea gate struck the moored 125 meter long, 3084 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry SS Spartan (IMO: 5336387). There were no injuries to crew or passengers on board, but the sea gate had sustained damage.

The Badger was taken out of service for inspection and necessary repairs. Reports state the Badger resumed service on the morning of September 18.

Rapid

Rapid

Rapid
Photo: bagimsizkocaeli.com.tr

On the morning of September 18, the 82 meter long, 2620 dwt cargo vessel Rapid (IMO: 8919233) ran aground in the Black Sea near Pembe Kayalıkla, Turkey. The Rapid was headed to Chornomorsk with a cargo of plaster when it veered off course in a severe storm. Being pushed by strong waves the cargo vessel ran up on the rocks just off the shoreline.

Turkish authorities were alerted with the KEGM dispatching the 19 meter long  search and rescue vessel TCSG-910 (MMSI: 271030035). Conditions were too rough for the crew to reach shore or to transfer to the TCSG-910 so a helicopter was requested. The helicopter was able to hoist all 7 crew off the Rapid safely.  No reports of injuries.

The incident is under investigation by authorities. An initial inspection found the Rapid had sustained some hull damage, but no reports of pollution released.

Tafra 3

Tafra 3

Tafra 3
Photo: farodevigo.es

On September 12, the 31 meter long, 402 gt fishing vessel Tafra 3 (IMO: 9238727) was in a collision with the 104.5 meter long, 1810 dwt fishing vessel Right Whale (IMO: 8228543) on the Atlantic Ocean off Mauritania. The Tafra 3 was fishing with a trawl astern when it was struck amidships by the Right Whale. The Right Whale sliced into starboard hull of the Tafra 3 leaving a massive hole from the main deck down to below the waterline.  The fishing vessels only remained together for a few minutes before they drifted apart. The Tafra 3 quickly listed over to starboard before it sank by the stern in just in a few minutes.

The crew on the Tafra 3 had no time to launch life rafts, but many were able to don life jackets before the fishing vessel sank. Reports state that 21 survivors were pulled from the water. One crew member had sustained an injury to his head. Five crew members were reported as missing.

A large scale search and rescue operation searched for the missing crew members continued for several days, but was not successful. An investigation has been launched into the incident. Preliminary reports state the incident occurred in calm seas and clear weather. Authorities have stated the Tafra 3 is resting in 50 meters of water. A news report states that the master of the Right Whale has be detained.