Shipwreck Log - Page 5

Finnwave

November 12, 2025 Paul Hancock

On the morning of November 12, the 217.5 meter long, 14509 dwt ro-ro cargo vessel Finnwave (IMO: 9468932) caught fire in English Channel approximately 11 nautical miles southeast of Eastbourne, England. The Finnwave was headed to Zeebrugge from Rosslare when a fire broke out in the vessel’s engine room.. The crew was able to extinguish the fire, but the vessel had lost engine power. The crew sent out a distress call with the RNLI responding. The RNLI lifeboat arrived on scene and stood by while the Finnwave dropped anchor. No reports of injuries. The Solent Coastguard stated they would monitor the cargo vessel while repairs were carried out.

Great Pacific Adrift Twice

November 11, 2025 Paul Hancock

On October 27, the 40 meter long, 199 gt fishing vessel Great Pacific (IMO: 7947506) became disabled in the Gulf of Alaska some 100 miles south of Yakutat, Alaska. The Great Pacific had lost power after its drive shaft broke in heavy seas with waves reaching 30 feet. The fishing vessel requested assistance with the 46 meter long United States Coast Guard cutter John Witherspoon (MMSI: 338926458) responding. The cutter safely transferred all 5 crew off the Great Pacific and took the vessel under tow. While proceeding to Yakutat, the cutter went adrift when its main engine failed off Kayak Island. The cutter dropped the towline to the fishing vessel while it restored power. The cutter would regain control and proceeded to Yakutat leaving the Great Pacific unmanned and adrift. No reports of injuries.

Authorities were able to monitor the drifting fishing vessel over the following days. A Coast Guard aircraft conducted an overflight as the Great Pacific drifted into shipping channels. The tugboat Betty was able to reach the Great Pacific before it ran aground off Kayak Island. The tug proceeded to tow the fishing vessel to Port Etches where the vessel will undergo survey and inspection for seaworthiness.

Silvia

November 10, 2025 Paul Hancock

On the morning of November 8, the 187 meter long self-propelled barge Silvia (MMSI: 211383020) caught fire on the Waal River at Snelbinder near Nijmegen, Netherlands. The Silvia departed from Ochten bound for Mainz with a cargo of sand and soybeans when a fire broke out in the engine room. Authorities were alerted with the local fire brigade responding. A fireboat transported firefighters onto the Silvia who quickly extinguish the blaze within an hour.

Authorities stated the fire started in the insulation material near the exhaust system. There were no reports of injuries to the 5 crew on board the vessel. The extent of damage from the fire was not disclosed.