Mobile River Fire

Mobile Barge Fire
Photo: United States Coast Guard

On the morning of January 12, the United States Coast Guard reported a barge caught fire on the Mobile River near the Africatown Bridge, Mobile, Alabama. The barge was moored when a fire started in the cargo hold containing vehicle scrap metal. The fire quickly spread engulfing a large portion of the scrap metal. Reports state that river traffic was halted in the area near the barge while the Mobile fire department deployed fireboats to extinguish the blaze. The crew on board the barge were evacuated with no reports of injuries.

The United States Coast Guard was also on site and monitoring the situation. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Allision in Ushuaia

World Voyager
Photo: cruiseindustrynews.com

On January 6, the 120 meter long, 1103 dwt passenger cruise ship World Voyager (IMO: 9871529) allided in the Beagle Channel at Ushuaia, Argentina. The World Voyager broke free from its moorings when strong winds caused its lines snapped. With winds reaching gusts up to 45 miles per hour, the World Voyager was driven away from its berth into the harbor. The crew attempted to gain control of the cruise ship, but it was too late as the World Voyager struck the opposite quay and graze the berthed 205 meter long, 4059 dwt passenger cruise ship Viking Octantis (IMO: 9863194).

Fortunately, both vessels did not suffer any injuries or major damage. The Viking Octantis did sustained damage to a stern railing while the World Voyager sustained bow damage above the waterline. Argentine authorities had both vessels inspected for seaworthiness. Reports state both vessels were able to proceed on their scheduled voyages to the Antarctica.

Aground on Yokjido Island

Aground Yokijdo Island
Photo: busan.com

On the afternoon of January 8, the 3.5 ton fishing vessel ran aground in the Korea Strait near Yokji-myeon, Tongyeong-si, South Korea. The fishing vessel had departed from Misu, Tongyeong heading out for fishing near the incident area when it grounded on a reef.  The fishing vessel suffered water ingress and rested on the reef with a 45 degree list to port. 

Aground Yokijdo Island
Photo: busan.com

The South Korean Coast Guard were alerted and deployed a rescue team to the scene. The Coast Guard transferred all 3 crew off the fishing vessel to the rescue boat. Afterwards rescuers would deploy buoyancy buoys to stabilize the fishing vessel to prevent it from capsizing. Dewatering pumps were transferred onto the fishing vessel while divers inspected the hull for damage. Reports state the fishing vessel would be pulled free on the next high tide. There were no injuries reported.