Nicole Burmester

Nicole Burmester

Nicole Burmester
Photo: tugspotters.com

The 85 meter long self-propelled tanker-barge Nicole Burmester ran aground on the Western Scheldt near Terneuzen, Netherlands. The tanker had departed from Antwerp when it mistook a buoy for a harbor light and stranded on a submerged breakwater. The crew requested assistance with multiple tugs responding. The tugs were able to pull the Nicole Burmester free.  The tugs then escorted the tanker to the port of Terneuzen. There it berthed and authorities had divers inspect the hull for damage. No reports of injuries.  The incident is under investigation.

Varzuga

Varzuga

Varzuga
Photo: rosatomflot.ru

On March 29, the 164 meter long, 16038 dwt tanker Varzuga became disabled in the Gulf of Ob in the Barents Sea off Russia. The Varzuga had suffered a breakdown with its steering while in ice.  The tanker requested assistance with the icebreakers 160 meter long 50 Let Pobedy and 150 meter long Vaygach responding. Both ice breakers were able to clear a path and the Vaygach took the Varzuga under tow until the tanker was clear of the ice. The tug Umka took over the tow and the vessels proceeded to Murmansk. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.

Belita

Belita

The 334 meter long, 101505 dwt container ship Belita ran aground on the Mississippi River near Poydras, Louisiana. The Belita had struck a riprap along the shoreline, but sustained no damage. The vessel remained aground until a few hours later when it was allowed to proceed.  No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released. The cause of the incident is under investigation by the Coast Guard.