Amadeus Amethist

Amadeus Amethist

Amadeus Amethist
Photo: normandie-actu.fr

The 88 meter long cargo vessel Amadeus Amethist became disabled in the English Channel near Fécamp, France. The Amadeus Amethist was headed to Fécamp from Antwerp in ballast when it suffered engine failure in rough seas. The crew dropped anchor and requested assistance.  Tugs were dispatched to assist as the cargo vessel was being pushed by the strong winds and heavy seas.  As the risk of the vessel going ashore increased, a helicopter was dispatched to the scene.  The helicopter lowered personnel to the Amadeus Amethist and was able to assist in restarting the engine. The vessel proceed into port a few hours later. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.

Mahalia

Mahalia

Mahalia
Photo: newsmaritime.com

The 42 meter long landing craft Mahalia capsized off Erromango Island, Vanuatu. The Mahalia was en route to Tanna when it lost stability when the cargo shifted.  All 13 crew on board were able to abandon ship into the vessel’s liferaft, before the vessel capsized and later sank.  Authorities received a distress beacon and asked a nearby container ship Forum Pacific to aid in the search and rescue efforts. The Forum Pacific arrived on scene and rescued the crew. No reports of injuries.

Stör

Stör

Stör
Photo: hamburg1.de

On February 29, the 85 meter long self-propelled barge Stör allided with a railway bridge over the Stör River in Itzehoe, Germany. The Stör was attempting to berth just before the bridge when it suffered engine failure and could not slow its approach.  The barge slammed into the bridge crushing the barge’s wheelhouse.  The two crew narrowly escaped by jumping out of the wheelhouse and were uninjured. The Stör remained wedged under the bridge until the tide dropped.  Rail traffic resumed a few hours later.  The Stör was pulled free and berthed nearby. No reports of pollution released.