On August 12, the 46 meter long, 563 gt catamaran ferry Iyanough allided with a barge in the harbor on Nantucket island, Massachusetts. The Iyanough was departing for a voyage to Hyannis when the stern of the ferry struck a barge tied up at the end of the wharf. The Iyanough returned back to its slip where the ferry was inspected for damage. The vessel sustained minor damage to its stern. No reports of injuries or pollution released. The Iyanough proceeded on its voyage several hours later.
On August 9, the 148 meter long, 18319 dwt bulk carrier Olga (IMO: 9109548) struck the 109 meter long, 6189 dwt tanker Iver Blessing (IMO: 9588287) in the Bay of Biscay off Saint-Nazaire, France. The Olga was proceeding from an anchorage off Saint-Nazaire when it allided with the stern of the anchored Iver Blessing. The Iver Blessing sustained hull damage with a small hole above the waterline. The Olga also sustained a large gash in its hull above the waterline. Five crewmen on the Iver Blessing suffered slight injuries that did not require medical assistance. No reports of product being released from the Iver Blessing, but some pollution was reported. An oil drum had fallen overboard.
Photo: premar-atlantique.gouv.fr
Both vessels were order to remain at anchorage while authorities conduct an investigation into the incident.
On July 23, the 85 meter long, 1626 dwt self-propelled tanker-barge Naima (IMO: 9485966) allided with the Elsfleth railway bridge over the Hunte river. The Naima was proceeding with 3000 tons of biodiesel fuel when it struck the bridge as it attempted to pass underneath. The Naima sustained significant damage as the bridge house was completed destroyed. The master and one crewman on the Naima sustained slight injuries.
Photo: forum-schiff.de
Photo: forum-schiff.de
Photo: forum-schiff.de
Photo: forum-schiff.de
Photo: ndr.de
Photo: ndr.de
Photo: ndr.de
Photo: ndr.de
The railway bridge was also badly damaged. The Elsfleth bridge was actually a temporary bridge. It had only been in operation since April 2024 after the original bridge had be struck by another vessel in February and declared damaged beyond repair. The temporary bridge was fixed and only allowed vessels to pass underneath when water levels allowed. Reports state all rail traffic has been halted as the bridge is unusable.
The incident is under investigation by the water police.
