Scenic Crystal

Scenic Crystal

Scenic Crystal

On the morning of March 15, the 136 meter long self-propelled passenger ship Scenic Crystal (MMSI: 229065000) allided with a bridge over the Main-Danube Canal near Berching, Germany. The vessel was en route to Nuremberg when it struck the bridge having its wheelhouse roof torn off. Fortunately, no one was in the wheelhouse at the time of the allision. The Scenic Crystal was able to proceed to the Berching lock where it berthed. Traffic was halted for several hours until the bridge could be inspected which found no damage on the structure.

No reports of injuries to the 56 crew and 133 passengers on board. Reports state passengers were transferred to bus to continue on to their destination. Reports state the damage to the wheelhouse may be in excess of  200.000 €.  Authorities did state the cause of the incident was due to the master of the vessel not lowering the wheelhouse before approaching the bridge.

 

NP Bangpakong

NP Bangpakong

NP Bangpakong
Photo: facebook

On March 25, the 100 meter long, 3996 dwt LPG tanker NP Bangpakong (IMO: 9020455) ran aground in the Gulf of Thailand on the island of Koh Larn, near Pattaya City, Thailand. The tanker had departed from Bang Pakong District to Map Ta Phut Port when it veered onto a rocky outcrop to avoid colliding with a fishing vessel.

An initial inspection of the NP Bangpakong found there were no damage to the cargo tanks. A tugboat was requested to pull the tanker free off the rocks. Authorities state the NP Bangpakong will undergo an inspection for damage. No reports of injuries or pollution released.

Billabong

Billabong

Billabong
Photo: premar-atlantique.gouv.fr

On March 24, the 16 meter long fishing vessel Billabong (MMSI: 228380000)  suffered water ingress in the Bay of Biscay off Lann Bihoué, France.  Reports state the fishing vessel requested assistance after discovering uncontrolled water ingress. The SNSM dispatched the rescue vessel SNS 084 assisted by a helicopter from the Marine Nationale. The two crew from the Billabong were winched to safety.  The crew was later taken to Lann Bihoué for evaluation. No reports of injuries.

The fate of the Billabong was not reported. Until authorities provide further information, it is possible the vessel sank or authorities were able to place dewatering pumps on board and towed the vessel back to port.