Joy George

Joy George

Joy George
Photo: myjoyonline.com

On August 19, the fishing vessel Joy George, CR-338-EL partially sank in the Gulf of Guinea just outside Elmina Castle, Ghana. The Joy George had departed from Elmina at low tide and as it departed out of the harbour it struck some submerged rocks.  The vessel’s hull was gashed and quickly flooded within minutes. Fortunately, a rescue boat was nearby and quickly came to the aid of the Joy George.  All 23 crew on board the fishing vessel were safely rescued and taken ashore.  No reports of injuries.

The Joy George was later recovered and towed to the safety of the breakwater off Elmina Castle.  Reports state the Joy George had just recently been built and is the second largest vessel operating out of Elmina. Local fishermen in the area stated the rocks are a known navigation hazard. The boulders were part of the breakwater construction and present an obstacle for vessels entering and leaving the harbour. Locals also stated the sandbars have formed near the harbour entrance making navigation difficult.

 

USS New Orleans

USS New Orleans

USS New Orleans
Photo: Japan Coast Guard

On the evening of August 20, the USS New Orleans caught fire in the South China Sea off Okinawa, Japan. The USS New Orleans was at anchor when a fire broke out on the the vessel.  The amphibious transport dock ship requested assistance with the Japanese Coast Guard responding. United States Navy reports that it took 12 hours by the combine efforts before the fire was eventually extinguished.  Two sailors on the USS New Orleans sustained minor injuries. The Navy has launched an investigation into the incident.  The cause of and extent of damage by the fire was not disclosed. No pollution was released.

USS New Orleans
Photo: Japan Coast Guard
Ciudad de Medellín

Ciudad de Medellín

Ciudad de Medellín
Photo: facebook

On the morning of August 17, the 19 meter long towboat Ciudad de Medellín (MMSI: 627214286) allided on the Magdalena River at Barrancabermeja, Colombia. The Ciudad de Medellín was proceeding on the river when it struck one of the piers of the Guillermo Gaviria Bridge. The impact caused the part of the pilothouse to be torn off.  The strong current caused the towboat to take on water resulting in the vessel listing over on its starboard hull.  The Ciudad de Medellín would later partially sink.

Reports state that several crew members jumped into the river and swam to rescue boats. Local citizens attempted to aid the crew by throwing life jackets to them. News accounts do not state if any crew members were injured or not during the incident.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. Witnesses have stated the water levels on the river was high due to heavy rains. There is some speculation that the towboat had steered out of the navigation channel before striking the bridge. Reports state that engineers are inspecting the bridge for damage while traffic continues to proceed over the bridge.