Collision on the Oder Lagoon

Collision on the Oder Lagoon

Junker Jörg
Photo: rmf24.pl

On the evening of March 31, the 95 meter long self-propelled passenger ship Junker Jörg (MMSI: 211513910) collided with the 106 meter long self-propelled tanker-barge Argonaut (MMSI: 205527390) in the Oder Lagoon near Chełminek Island, Poland. The Argonaut was bound from Szczecin to Swinoujscie in ballast when it struck by the Junker Jörg.  The Argonaut sustained bow hull damage above the waterline, but there was no water ingress and no pollution was released.  The Junker Jörg sustained significant bow damage above the waterline.  Both vessels proceeded to Szczecin where the vessels docked.

Reports state 9 of the 97 passengers were injured with one requiring hospitalization from head injuries. Authorities launched an investigation into the incident. Both crews were tested for alcohol which return negative results. The Junker Jörg will undergo repairs and put back into service.

Castphill XV

Castphill XV

Castphill XV
Photo: Philippine Coast Guard

On the early morning of March 30, the cargo vessel Castphill XV caught fire at the entrance of Manila Bay near Limbones Island, Philippines. The cargo vessel departed from Manila bound for Culion with a mix cargo of  general merchandise, hardware materials, sacks of rice, cement and fuel. As it approached the island, a fire broke out on the Castphill XV.  The crew was unable to contain the blaze and requested assistance before they abandoned ship.

The Philippine Coast Guard patrol vessel BRP Boracay arrived on site and rescued seven crew from the water. The patrol vessel took the survivors back to Manila where they taken to hospital for treatment.  Five more survivors would be rescued a few hours later by the Coast Guard based in Maragondon. These survivors were brought ashore to Maragondon for treatment.  Reports state the crew sustained only minor injuries.

The Philippine Coast Guard has begun an investigation Reports suggest the fire may have started in the cargo hold possibly from the stored fuel cargo.

Barge Capsized

Barge Capsized

Photo: nzherald.co.nz

On the afternoon of March 31, a 30 meter long barge capsized in Bay of Plenty at the marina of Tauranga, New Zealand. The barge was operating in the marina when it lost stability and tipped over onto its side. The onboard crane fell into in the water and 10 litres of diesel fuel was released into the water. Authorities placed booms around the vessel and used absorbent pads to collect the pollution. Reports state there were no injuries. Reports state the barge will be salvaged. Maritime NZ has launched an investigation into the incident.

Photo: nzherald.co.nz