Shipwreck Log - Page 7

On the evening of February 3, the 18 meter long fishing vessel Musse SK961 (MMSI: 219028081) caught fire in the Kattegat 18 miles east of Skagen, Denmark. Authorities received an alert the vessel was on fire and launched a search and rescue operation. Both a rescue lifeboat and helicopter were deployed and arrived on scene to find the Musse unmanned and engulfed in flames. Fortunately, the one person on the Musse had already been rescued by a nearby vessel. The 16.5 meter long, 36 gt lifeboat Lars Kruse (IMO: 9217515) would later arrive on scene and use its fire fighting equipment to contain the blaze. The Musse would later drift into Swedish waters where Swedish rescue service took over fire fighting efforts. After many hours, the fire appeared to be extinguished.

While the fishing vessel was gutted by the fire, it was still afloat. Reports state the Musse was still afloat and towed back to Skagen where the fire reignited spewing out smoke. The fire fighters boarded the vessel and completely extinguish the blaze. No reports of injuries.

Putri Papua

February 4, 2025 Paul Hancock

On the morning of February 4, the 53 meter long phinisi sailing vessel Putri Papua (MMSI: 525003530) sank in the Pacific Ocean 12 miles off the coast of Sorong, West Papua, Indonesia. The Putri Papua had suffered engine failure and alerted authorities via WhatsApp of the damage to the vessel. Before Indonesian authorities could reach the vessel, all 17 crew and passengers had evacuated to a life raft. The Putri Papua would sink a short time later. Two crew were injured during the incident and taken to hospital for treatment.

The cause of the water ingress was not disclosed. Indonesian authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

Agorreta

February 3, 2025 Paul Hancock

On the evening February 1, a fire broke out on the 25 meter long, 238 gt fishing vessel Agorreta (ISO: 8874457) in the Bay of Biscay while berthed at Burela, Spain. The fire started in the galley while there was no one on board. Fortunately, a witness spotted smoke coming from the fishing vessel and alerted local authorities. Nearby workers attempted to contain the blaze until the local fire brigade arrived on site. Fire fighters eventually extinguished the blaze several hours later. The Agorreta had sustained significant fire damage to the fish hold, bridge, kitchen and crew cabin. However, the engine room and and much of the rig were saved. The cause of the fire was not disclosed, but the affected area is where paints, plastics and diesel fuel were stored. There were no reports of injuries.