Harbour Princess

Harbour Princess

Harbour Princess
Photo: globalnews.ca

On the morning of August 3, the 26 meter long passenger ship Harbour Princess (MMSI: 316022498) ran aground in the Burrand Inlet off Point Atkinson, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The Harbour Princess was on a morning excursion with 58 passengers when it struck a rock in Starboat Cove. Passengers reported the vessel made a loud thud and abruptly stopped. The jolt knocked some off their feet.  The passenger ship sent out a distress call with multiple agencies responding led by the Canadian Coast Guard. The Harbour Princess did not suffer any water ingress, but the passenger ship was escorted back to its berth in Coal Harbour where it safely unloaded its passengers. Reports state 2 passengers were injured during the incident. One was taken to hospital for treatment.

According to news reports, the Harbour Princess struck the rock close to high tide.  Authorities have not stated if this obstruction was clearly mapped on the charts or not. Authorities have not yet stated if there will be an investigation into the incident.

Hyang Ro Bong

Hyang Ro Bong

Hyang Ro Bong
Photo: nate.com

On the afternoon of July 31, the 113 meter long, 1700 dwt South Korean Navy amphibious landing craft Hyang Ro Bong (LST-683) caught fire in the Sea of Japan off Jinhae, South Korea. The Hyang Ro Bong was entering the port at Jinhae when a fire started in a machinery space.  One of the auxiliary engines had ignited the blaze which spread to several adjacent compartments. Due to the compartment layout, the main fire wasn’t contained until the early morning the next day. Fire fighters would eventually extinguish the blaze some 12 hours after it started.

Three crew members sustained injuries during the incident. One was taken to hospital for treatment for burns while the other 2 received treatment for smoke inhalation and returned back to their unit. The South Korean Navy has launched an investigation into the incident. The extent of damage caused by the fire was not disclosed.

Hyang Ro Bong
Photo: wikipedia.org
Presque Isle

Presque Isle

Presque Isle
Photo: sootoday.com

On the morning of July 29, the 305 meter long self-unloading bulk carrier Presque Isle (IMO: 7303877) released pollution on the St. Marys River near Neebish Island, Michigan. The Presque Isle was heading upbound towards the Soo Locks when it suffered steering issues. The bulk carrier proceeded several miles where it could drop anchor and investigate the issue. During the investigation, the crew found some 20 gallons of hydraulic oil had been discharged into the river with a visible sheen.  A boom was placed around the stern of the Presque Isle to contain the pollution. Traffic was halted on the river while authorities completed a survey. Reports stated that traffic was reopened later and that the oil sheen had dissipated a few days later.