Florece Lost
The 187 meter long, 53082 dwt tanker Afrodite collided with the 88 meter long, 2803 dwt freighter Florece off Land’s End in the Bay of Biscay. The Afrodite sustained minimal damage, but the Florece hull was cut open and quickly began to fill with water. The Florece’s seven crew abandoned ship into the vessel’s two liferafts before the vessel sank. The Afrodite attempted to deploy a rescue craft to rescue the Florece crew, but sea conditions prevented it. The Florece’s EPIRB alerted the Falmouth Coastguard who contacted the Afrodite who inform the authorities of the collision. The Coast Guard contacted the Spanish Coast Guard and alerted vessels in the area for assistance. The 120 meter long container ship Ocean Titan responded. The Ocean Titan proceeded to the scene and was able to rescue the crew. All seven crew of the Florece were reported safe on board with no injuries. The Ocean Titan will proceed to Lisbon where the crew will be met by Spanish authorities.
