Hyang Ro Bong

Hyang Ro Bong

Hyang Ro Bong
Photo: nate.com

On the afternoon of July 31, the 113 meter long, 1700 dwt South Korean Navy amphibious landing craft Hyang Ro Bong (LST-683) caught fire in the Sea of Japan off Jinhae, South Korea. The Hyang Ro Bong was entering the port at Jinhae when a fire started in a machinery space.  One of the auxiliary engines had ignited the blaze which spread to several adjacent compartments. Due to the compartment layout, the main fire wasn’t contained until the early morning the next day. Fire fighters would eventually extinguish the blaze some 12 hours after it started.

Three crew members sustained injuries during the incident. One was taken to hospital for treatment for burns while the other 2 received treatment for smoke inhalation and returned back to their unit. The South Korean Navy has launched an investigation into the incident. The extent of damage caused by the fire was not disclosed.

Hyang Ro Bong
Photo: wikipedia.org
Presque Isle

Presque Isle

Presque Isle
Photo: sootoday.com

On the morning of July 29, the 305 meter long self-unloading bulk carrier Presque Isle (IMO: 7303877) released pollution on the St. Marys River near Neebish Island, Michigan. The Presque Isle was heading upbound towards the Soo Locks when it suffered steering issues. The bulk carrier proceeded several miles where it could drop anchor and investigate the issue. During the investigation, the crew found some 20 gallons of hydraulic oil had been discharged into the river with a visible sheen.  A boom was placed around the stern of the Presque Isle to contain the pollution. Traffic was halted on the river while authorities completed a survey. Reports stated that traffic was reopened later and that the oil sheen had dissipated a few days later.

Wilson Gdynia

Wilson Gdynia

Wilson Gdynia

On the afternoon of July 30, the 88 meter long, 3632 dwt cargo vessel Wilson Gdynia (IMO: 9056064) allided on the Elbe River at Brunsbüttel, Germany.  The Wilson Gdynia was approaching the locks to the Kiel Canal in Brunsbüttel when it struck the jetty to the entrance to the small locks.  Details to the extent of damage was not disclosed.  The Wilson Gdynia was reported detained by the water police in Brunsbüttel while the incident is being investigated. No reports of injuries or pollution released.