Browsed by
Tag: Atlantic Ocean

Ray Primero

Ray Primero

Ray Primero
Photo: lavozdegalicia.es

On the early morning of September 20, the fishing vessel Ray Primero sprung a leak 10 nautical miles off A Coruña, Spain. The Ray Primero sent out a distress call stating the vessel had uncontrolled flooding and the crew were abandoning ship into a life raft. The Salvamento Marítimo launched a search and rescue operation with multiple vessels and a helicopter to the scene. The helicopter found the life raft and hoisted all 11 crew to safety.  No reports of injuries.

When the search and rescue vessels arrived, they found the Ray Primero still afloat.  Authorities started dewatering efforts while the 22 meter long search and rescue vessel Salvamar Betelgeuse (MMSI: 225986508) and the 40 meter long tugboat María de Maeztu (IMO: 9429091) connected a towing line.  The vessels took the fishing vessel under tow and proceed to A Coruña. The vessels arrived in port safely.

Reports state that minor repairs were done on the fishing vessel. No reports of pollution released.

 

Tafra 3

Tafra 3

Tafra 3
Photo: farodevigo.es

On September 12, the 31 meter long, 402 gt fishing vessel Tafra 3 (IMO: 9238727) was in a collision with the 104.5 meter long, 1810 dwt fishing vessel Right Whale (IMO: 8228543) on the Atlantic Ocean off Mauritania. The Tafra 3 was fishing with a trawl astern when it was struck amidships by the Right Whale. The Right Whale sliced into starboard hull of the Tafra 3 leaving a massive hole from the main deck down to below the waterline.  The fishing vessels only remained together for a few minutes before they drifted apart. The Tafra 3 quickly listed over to starboard before it sank by the stern in just in a few minutes.

The crew on the Tafra 3 had no time to launch life rafts, but many were able to don life jackets before the fishing vessel sank. Reports state that 21 survivors were pulled from the water. One crew member had sustained an injury to his head. Five crew members were reported as missing.

A large scale search and rescue operation searched for the missing crew members continued for several days, but was not successful. An investigation has been launched into the incident. Preliminary reports state the incident occurred in calm seas and clear weather. Authorities have stated the Tafra 3 is resting in 50 meters of water. A news report states that the master of the Right Whale has be detained.

 

Ashore at Órzola

Ashore at Órzola

Ashore at Órzola
Photo: lavozdelanzarote.com

On the morning of September 10, a fishing vessel (Moroccan flagged; name not disclosed) ran aground on the Atlantic Ocean off the island of Lanzarote, Canary islands.  The tuna boat had sailing off the coast of the island near the town of Órzola when it ran aground on the rocky shoreline.

Witnesses alerted authorities which arrived on site and found all five crew were stable.  Local firefighters assisted all five crew to evacuate the vessel safely to shore. Reports state the crew of the fishing vessel had not eaten a meal for four days. Two crew were taken to hospital for treatment for hypothermia.

Authorities were investigating the incident to determine the circumstances. There is some speculation the fishing vessel was stolen or the crew had not been paid by the owners. It wasn’t clear if the tuna boat had accidently grounded on the Canary Islands by chance or if was intentional.

Reports stated the tuna vessel had later caught fire. Authorities stated they were looking a way to dispose of the vessel with minimal environmental impact.