Kattegat Sea Collision

Kattegat Sea Collision

Noren
Photo: sjofartstidningen.se

On the afternoon of December 10, the 90 meter long, 5211 dwt cargo vessel Noren (IMO: 9968255) collided with the 20 meter long fishing vessel Obsala in the Kattegat Sea northwest of the island of Nidingen, Sweden. The Noren was headed to Hargshamn from Shoreham when it collided with the Obsala. Swedish authorities were alerted and deployed multiple Coast Guard patrol boats along with a helicopter from Gothenburg.  The 12 meter long SSRS lifeboat Josephine (MMSI: 265001100) was also dispatched to assist. Rescuers found both vessels had only sustained slight damage and neither were in danger. The Obsala did suffered problems with its engine and fishing gear requiring the vessel to be towed to a shipyard for repairs. There were no reports of injuries on either vessel.

SSRS Josephine
Photo: SSRS

Authorities launched an investigation into the incident. The Coast Guard tested crew for alcohol which return negative results. After the preliminary investigation had been completed, the Swedish Coast Guard issued a fine to the master of the Noren for negligence. Reports state the fine was paid immediately and the vessel proceeded on its voyage to its destination.

 

Fastnet

Fastnet

Fastnet
Photo: thesun.ie

On the morning of December 14, the 28 meter long, 345 gt  fishing vessel Fastnet (IMO: 9244465) ran aground in the Dingle Bay near Binn Bán beach outside of outside Cuan an Daingin, County Kerry, Ireland. The Fastnet had departed from Dingle Harbour in poor conditions with heavy seas when it suffered engine failure. The trawler went adrift and sent out a distress call.  Irish Coast Guard responded by dispatching a fixed wing aircraft along with a rescue helicopter while the RNLI launched the 17 meter long lifeboat John and Margaret Doig (MMSI: 232002460)  from the Valentia Island.

The RNLI lifeboat assisted by local boats arrived on scene.  The vessels attempted to connect a towline to the trawler, but were unsuccessful. Before any further attempts to save the Fastnet could be made, the trawler was blown ashore onto the rocks. Unconfirmed reports state the trawler sustained hull damage and potentially to the fuel tanks.

A rescue helicopter would later safely hoist all 14 crew off the Fastnet.  The crew were taken ashore and were evaluated for injuries by emergency personnel. Authorities have initiated an environmental response plan to the incident. Salvage teams have been engaged to mitigate diesel fuel released. The extent of damage and the amount of pollution released has not been disclosed.

Ventumar

Ventumar

Ventumar

 

On December 12, the 21 meter long fishing vessel Ventumar (MMSI: 224167590) became disabled in the Balearic Sea approximately 8 nautical miles east of Valencia, Spain.  The Ventumar had its propeller entangled in a net.  The vessel requested assistance with the Salvamento Maritimó responding. The Salvamento Maritimó dispatched the 20 meter long lifeboat Salvamar Pollux (MMSI: 224019770) which took the Ventumar under tow back to the port of Valencia. No reports of injuries or pollution released.

 

Salvamar Pollux