On June 10, the fishing vessel María Cristina ran aground in the Atlantic Ocean near Cabo Vilán, Spain. The Salvamento Marítimo reports the two crew on board the María Cristina were rescued by the 10 meter long fishing vessel A Fervenza (MMSI: 224329790) which is proceeding to Camariñas for medical observation. Spanish authorities have dispatched the 21 meter long search and rescue vessel Salvamar Altair (MMSI: 224013350) to inspect the incident site. No further details reported.
On May 14, the 8.76 meter long fishing vessel Nuevo Mariña sunk in the Atlantic Ocean some 3 miles off Monte Louro, Spain. The fishing vessel had suffered and an electrical short and caught fire. The two crew were unable to stop the blaze from consuming the vessel. Both crew members sustained injuries with one suffered extensive burns. The crew were able to abandon ship in a life raft and later rescued by the fishing vessel La Chainza and later transferred to the salvamar Régulus. One crew member was airlifted by helicopter and taken to hospital. The patrol vessel Mar de Galicia (IMO: 9905045) arrived on site and was able to extinguish the blaze, but Nuevo Mariña’s hull was too badly damaged and the fishing vessel sank.
On the afternoon of April 14, the 91 meter long, 2560 dwt ro-ro cargo vessel Nhô Padre Benjamim (IMO: 7812919) sank in Preguiça Bay off the coast of São Nicolau, Cape Verde. The Nhô Padre Benjamim was en route from Palmeira to São Nicolau loaded with construction supplies and trucks bound for roadwork and construction at the Preguiça airport. As the vessel approached the São Nicolau, the vessel suffered uncontrolled water ingress on the vehicle deck. Reports state the crew tried to bring the flooding under control with pumps, but their efforts were unsuccessful. The Nhô Padre Benjamim would eventually sink by the stern.
The crew of 19 and the 1 passenger on board were able to safely abandon ship and were later rescued by local fishermen. No reports of injuries.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. Initial reports has place much focus on environmental concerns. There is a high risk that fuel and other oil pollution will seep out from the wreck. Due to the depth of the location of the wreck, it may be difficult to pump out the fuel and oil from the vessel.
News reports state the vessel owner claims the Nhô Padre Benjamim was well maintained and was in proper working condition prior to the incident. The vessel was not overloaded, but witnesses state the vessel departed with the stern lower in the water than usual. It is possible the investigation may reveal improper cargo stowage could have been a factor.