Barges Sunk in West Bengal

Barges Sunk in West Bengal

Photo: thewall.in

On April 9, the barge Tofa Arif 4 sank on the Hooghly River near Kulpi, West Bengal, India. The barge was returning to Bangladesh after loading fly ash at Kolaghat when it was caught in a storm.  The crew anchored the barge to ride out the storm, but another vessel collided with it and its anchor line parted. The barge went adrift and the vessel sustained water ingress. The Tofa Arif 4 continued to drift until it became stuck  on a sandbar. The Tofa Arif 4 later sank on the high tide.  All eight crew members were rescued and placed in quarantine (covid-19 protocols). No reports of injuries.  Authorities have reported concerns the fly ash pollution has been released into the river.

A barge allided and sunk on the Muriganga River near Kachubaria Ghat. The barge had struck a high-voltage power tower resulting in hull damage and water ingress. The 10 crew on board were safely rescued from a rescue boat from Swamiji Sangha.  The barge would partially sink adjacent to the tower. No reports of injuries.

Photo: thewall.in

 

Viknafjord

Viknafjord

Viknafjord
Photo: namdalsavisa.no

The 11 meter long fishing vessel Viknafjord sank at its berth at Rørvik, Norway. The vessel had sprung a leak and sunk at the dock. No reports of injuries, but some diesel fuel was released.  Authorities arrived on scene and placed dewatering pumping on board.  Straps were attached and the Viknafjord was later raised later the same day. Reports state some absorbent pads were able to collect some of the pollution released.

 

Bellatrix

Bellatrix

Bellatrix
Photo: Guardia Costiera

On April 8, the 114 meter long , 2893 dwt cargo vessel Bellatrix caught fire in the Ionian Sea some 180 miles off Catania, Italy. The Bellatrix was en route to Samsun from Khoms when a fire broke out in the vessel’s engine room. The fire quickly grew out of control and the crew sent out a distress call. The nearby cargo vessel Arife responded and rescued all 12 crew on board the Bellatrix safely. Italian authorities dispatched vessels and aircraft to the scene to monitor the Bellatrix. Reports state a tug has been hired to take the Bellatrix under tow and proceed to Aliaga, Turkey.  The Bellatrix was proceeding in ballast only.  No reports of injuries.