Bao Jiang 88

Bao Jiang 88

BAO JIANG 88

On March 1, the 96 meter long bulk carrier Bao Jiang 88 capsized and sank on the Yangze River near Shanghai, China. The Bao Jiang 88 was en route to Nanjing with 4600 tons of iron ore from Ningbo when it suffered a cargo shift.  The Bao Jiang 88 quickly developed a list and the 12 crew to abandon ship into a liferaft.  The vessel capsized a few minutes later.  All 12 crew were later rescued by the Chinese Coast Guard. Authorities state the sunken bulker represents a navigational hazard. Reports say the cause of the capsizing was due to improper trimming of cargo.

Pannenkoekenboot 3

Pannenkoekenboot 3

Pannenkoekenboot 3
Photo: omroepgelderland.nl

The 32 meter long passenger vessel Pannenkoekenboot 3 collided with a tanker-barge on the Waal River off Nijmegen, Netherlands. The Pannenkoekenboot 3 was on a river cruise loaded with 50 passengers when it suffered engine failure. The vessel became unmanageable and was headed to collide into a passing tanker-barge loaded with gas.  The master of the Pannenkoekenboot 3 reacted quickly and used the vessel’s bow thruster to avoid a serious collision . The passenger ship did graze against the tanker-barge, but no reports of injuries on either vessel. Reports state hull damage was minor on both vessels. The tanker-barge was able to proceed on its voyage. The Pannenkoekenboot 3 was later towed to  Nijmegen. No pollution was released.

Viscount

Viscount

Viscount
Photo: shipspotting.com

The 119 meter long, 3373 dwt bulk carrier Viscount ran aground on the Volga River near Astrakhan, Russia. The Viscount loaded with metal had veered into the shallows and ran upon a mud bank.  The cargo vessel failed to refloat itself and requested assistance.  No reports of injuries to the 10 crew, damage or pollution released.  The owners has arrange to have a salvage company to refloat the vessel. Reports state that authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.