Shipwreck Log - Page 33

AMT Challenger

December 10, 2024 Paul Hancock

On December 6, the 122 meter long, 19,129 dwt barge AMT Challenger (IMO: 9557721) ran aground in the English Channel on the French coast and Sotteville-sur-Mer, France. The barge was proceeding under tow by the 75 meter long, 3567 dwt tugboat Boka Glacier (IMO: 9344796) from Rotterdam bound for Portsmouth when the towline broke as a result of storm Darragh. With rough conditions, the Boka Glacier was unable to reattach a towline. The following day two tugboats were dispatched to assist, but 40 knot winds made it impossible to reconnect the towline. The morning of December 8, a team was hoisted onto the AMT Challenger to attempt to drop the barge’s anchor, but the anchor didn’t hold. The AMT Challenger eventually ran aground on a sandbank some 300 meters off shore. The barge’s ballast pumps were engaged to keep the vessel stable.

Reports state the owners of the vessel have drawn up a salvage plan. Authorities are currently monitoring the vessel. No reports of injuries or pollution released.

Lucinda Smith

December 9, 2024 Paul Hancock

On the morning of December 7, a fire broke out on the 85 foot long, 200 gt tugboat Lucinda Smith (IMO:8333166) moored on the Acushnet River in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Local fire fighters found the tug engulfed in flames with the engine room, staterooms and pilot house ablaze. Multiple fire fighting teams were able to extinguish the blaze with no injuries to the crew of the Lucinda Smith or fire fighters. Damage was extensive with multiple compartments completely gutted by the fire. Authorities placed booms around the tug to contain any pollution released.

The fire is under investigation by the New Bedford Fire Department. Reports state the Coast Guard and other authorities were notified of the incident. No reports if other authorities will conduct an investigation into the incident.

Liquid Gem

December 9, 2024 Paul Hancock

On the night of December 7, the 99 meter long, 5000 dwt tanker Liquid Gem (IMO: 8688717) ran aground in the port of Taichung, Taiwan. The tanker had been at anchor outside the port when the anchor began to drag due to stormy conditions. Unable to get the main engine started, the tanker drifted until it ran aground near a dock half a mile south of Taichung. Reports state several crew jumped overboard into the water fearing the Liquid Gem would capsized as the tanker developed a port side list. A patrol vessel was unable to approach the vessel due to the strong current so a large crane was dispatched to rescue the crew. The crane hoisted the 14 crew off the tanker safely. Authorities were able to rescue 2 of the 3 crew who jumped into the sea. Authorities continue the search for the missing crew person.

The Liquid Gem sustained hull damage and water ingress in the engine room. Authorities stated that oil pollution had been released and that booms would be placed around the vessel. On December 9, a salvage team was able to seal the exhaust valves to prevent further pollution being released. Reports state there was still diesel fuel in the tanker’s fuel tanks. Authorities stated the cleaning of the oil pollution and pumping out the water ingress would be completed by December 10.