On October 13, the192 meter long, 20,236 dwt self-unloading bulk carrier Robert S. Pierson (IMO: 7366403) became disabled on Whitefish Bay near Gros Cap Bluffs, Ontario. The Robert S. Pierson had departed from the Algoma Steel docks at the Soo bound for Two Harbors. As it passed the Gros Cap Reefs Beacon, the self-unloader lost its rudder. The vessel contacted authorities and the vessel was taken under tow to the shelter of nearby Goulais Bay. The bulk carrier remained at anchor for several days until it proceeded with the assistance of the tugboat Avenger IV.
The vessels proceeded to Superior, Wisconsin where the Robert S. Pierson will undergo repair. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
On the night of October 15, the 77 meter long cargo vessel Princesse Jessica (MMSI: 671396100) capsized and sank while moored at the port of Dakar, Senegal. The Princesse Jessica had been moored at Pier 2 with a minimal crew on board when the 190 meter long, 56894 dwt bulk carrier Zografia (IMO: 9486013) had arrived in Dakar with its cargo of sugar. The Zografia was maneuvering to berth at the nearby Pier 3 when it allided with the Princesse Jessica. The Princesse Jessica sustained severe damage on its port side with a hull breach below the waterline. With only three crew, two mechanics and a cook, on board, there was a limited response to contain the flooding. The three crew safely abandoned ship as the cargo vessel quickly listed over to port and rolled over and sank leaving just part of the starboard hull above water. The Zografia sustained only minor damage. No reports of injuries on either vessel.
Authorities arrived on scene and secured the area. They report the incident has had minimal impact on traffic and activities in the port.
Reports also state the Princesse Jessica had been berthed in Dakar for over 5 months and currently has no flag. Authorities state the vessel has changed flags and names several time since it was built in 1990. It has been sailing under the Princesse Jessica since May 2023 and it dropped from Togolese registry.
On the afternoon of October 18, 2024 the 31.7 meter long, 158 gt tugboat Luther (IMO: 7427477) became disabled on the Pacific Ocean 10 miles off La Push, Washington. The Luther was towing a concrete barge when it suffered steering failure while in strong winds and waves. The tugboat suffered water ingress as it drifted towards the shore. Unable to fix the steering, the Luther contacted the Coast Guard requesting assistance.
The Coast Guard dispatched a 47-foot motor lifeboat and an emergency tug along with aircraft from the Air Station from Astoria, Washington. The Coast Guard arrived on scene and found the Luther still afloat with the barge nearby, but the towline between the vessels had been disconnected. While setting up a towline to the Luther with the emergency tug, the barge nearly collided with the vessels prompting the Coast Guard to transfer the 5 crew of the Luther to another lifeboat. The Coast Guard dispatched additional vessels which secured a towline to the Luther along with the concrete barge. All the vessels proceeded to a safe harbor. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
