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Tag: Atlantic Ocean

Nhô Padre Benjamim

Nhô Padre Benjamim

Nhô Padre Benjamim
Photo: brava.news

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.

MSC Talia F

MSC Talia F

MSC Talia F
Photo: Salvamento Marítimo

On April 19, the 139 meter long, 11816 dwt container ship MSC Talia F  (IMO: 9308601) became disabled on the Atlantic Ocean off  Punta Melenara, Spain. The MSC Talia F loaded with containers  had suffered engine failure and went adrift in rough conditions with winds reaching 30 knots and waves reaching 2 meters.

The MSC Talia F contacted authorities requesting assistance. The Salvamento Marítimo deployed the tugboat Heroínas de Sálvora to assist.  The tug was able to take the container ship under tow and proceeded to Port La Palmas. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released. Reports state the MSC Talia F was able to make repairs and proceed on its voyage to Nouakchott, Mauritania.

Miss Montie

Miss Montie

Miss Montie
Photo: newsdaytonabeach.com

On April 13, the 50 foot fishing vessel Miss Montie ran aground on the Atlantic Ocean near Beverly Beach, Florida. The shrimp boat had suffered engine failure and was unable to proceed under its owner power. A nearby fishing vessel attempted to take the Miss Montie under tow, but the vessel was underpowered and had to drop the tow.

The Miss Montie requested assistance from the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard dispatched a rescue boat to assist.  The Coast Guard arrived on site and safely transferred the 2 crew and the vessel’s dog off the Miss Montie. The Coast Guard refused to take the fishing vessel under tow citing that conditions were too dangerous to take the shrimp boat under tow.

The Miss Montie was left to drift unmanned for several hours until it washed ashore. Reports state the master of the Miss Montie has hired a fishing vessel to pull the shrimp boat free.  The Coast Guard was monitoring the area for any signs of pollution released.  Reports state the Miss Montie will require repairs to its propeller.