Allision - Shipwreck Log

On the morning of July 1, the 28.5 meter long, 161 dwt tugboat Bikin (IMO: 9402134) allided in the Sea of Japan with the 56 meter long, 594 dwt fishing vessel Solveiga (IMO: 85220173) at Nakhodka, Russia. The Bikin was proceeding at full speed in the port of Nakhodka and struck head on into the moored Solveiga. The port side of the Solveiga was severely damaged with a large section of the hull stoved in above the waterline. The Bikin then immediately proceeded to back away from the Solveiga and departed from the area. There were no reports of injuries and no pollution was released.

This unusual “hit and run” incident was caught on video and presented to Russian authorities. The prosecutor in Nakhodka has launched a criminal investigation into the incident. Initial reports state the master of the Bikin had lost consciousness while at the wheel and there were no one else in the pilothouse at the time of the incident. The master stated he was exhausted from work as he had been working over a month without a single day off. However, Russian authorities did not disclose the reason for the tugboat to immediately turn and leave the scene after the allision. Nor there was any explanation why the crew on the Bikin didn’t check to see if anyone had been injured by the allision.

A “hit and run” allision typically occurs in anchorages and rarely if ever in a harbor. These incidents usually involve larger vessels who have failed to keep a proper watch and strike an other vessel at anchor. Depending on the size of the vessel, there are many cases where large container ships, bulkers and tankers have struck smaller fishing vessels and were completely unaware the incident took place. However, there are only a few examples of a tugboat striking a moored vessel then leaving the site with someone at command.

Helga

July 10, 2025 Paul Hancock

On the afternoon of July 8, the 85 meter long self-propelled barge Helga (MMSI: 211670730) allided on the Weser River near Dörverden, Germany. The master of the Helga had lost control of the vessel which struck a dolphin along the riverbank. The Helga sustained significant damage to the starboard foreship that has been estimated to be in the five-figure range. An investigation by the water policy found the master of the Helga was suffering from health problems which may have contributed to the incident. Authorities stated that alcohol was not a factor. The water police have detained the Helga from proceeding and the vessel was taken to a nearby mooring. No reports of pollution released.

Petar Hektorović

July 8, 2025 Paul Hancock

On the morning of July 7, the 91 meter long, 804 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry Petar Hektorović (IMO: 8702446) allided in the Adriatic Sea at the port of Split, Croatia. The Petar Hektorović had gone adrift as its mooring lines snapped during a severe storm. The strong winds and blinding rain quickly pushed the ferry through the harbour in Split. The Petar Hektorović would minutes later strike a moored 47.5 meter long, 84 dwt catamaran passenger ship Krilo (IMO: 9500493) before striking the nearby tourist passenger ship 43.5 meter long Kruna Mora. The tourist boat was severely damaged by the allision and would later sink. The master of the Petar Hektorović would drop both of its anchors to keep the ferry from causing any further damage.

Local fire brigade along with emergency personnel arrived on scene and found there were no injuries and no pollution released. Fire fighters placed booms around the sunken Kruna Mora to contain any pollution released. The full extent of damage to the Petar Hektorović and the Krilo was not disclosed, but the ferry showed a visible gash along the hull above the waterline along with some hull damage to the stern. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.