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Tag: Atlantic Ocean

Ultra Galaxy

Ultra Galaxy

Ultra Galaxy
Photo: samsa.org.za

The 124 meter long, 13,802 dwt cargo vessel Ultra Galaxy (IMO: 9449352) became disabled some 60 nautical miles west of Doring Bay, South Africa. The vessel was heading to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania when it suffered a heavy list.  The 18 crew on board were unable to right the vessel and feared the Ultra Galaxy would capsize as winds reached 12 knots per hour and swells reaching up to 6 meters.  The 18 crew onboard determined the vessel was lost and abandoned ship in one of the vessel’s life rafts.

Alerted by an EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) from the Ultra Galaxy, authorities sent out a broadcast to nearby vessels for assistance. Two nearby cargo vessels Fivos and Rio Grande Express changed course to assist. A nearby fishing vessel Malachite also diverted and aided with rescue efforts.  These vessels were able to find the Ultra Galaxy life raft and were able to safely transfer all 18 crew to the Malachite. No reports of injuries.

Ultra galaxy

Jacqueline A

Jacqueline A

Jacqueline A
Photo: North Myrtle Beach Rescue Squad

On August 8, the 18 meter long towboat Jacqueline A (MMSI: 367299940) sank 3 miles off North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The towboat was en route from Virginia to a shipyard in Harvey, Louisiana when it suffered water ingress. The three crew on board were unable to control the flooding and the Jacqueline A began to sink by the stern. The Jacqueline A requested assistance with the North Myrtle Beach Rescue Squad responding. Local responders aided in rescuing all three crewmembers. No reports of injuries.  Reports state the towboat sank in 30 feet of water.

Jacqueline A
Photo: North Myrtle Beach Rescue Squad

On August 21, the Jacqueline A was raised and salvaged from the bottom. The vessel sustained significant damage that the cost of repairs was more than the value of the towboat. The vessel was declared a total loss.  An investigation into the incident revealed that the vessel had multiple holes which allowed water to ingress through out the vessel.  Many bulkheads were rendered useless by holes used for wire runs. The investigation stated the vessel was known to be in poor condition and should have had a more thorough inspection before proceeding on its voyage.

Bald Eagle II

Bald Eagle II

Bald Eagle II
Photo: US Coast Guard

On December 7, the fishing vessel Bald Eagle II ran aground off Southern Shores, North Carolina.  The vessel had dropped anchor when rough seas caused the vessel to drift ashore. The crew requested assistance and the Coast Guard dispatched a helicopter from Elizabeth City and a vessel from Oregon Inlet to the scene. The helicopter arrived on scene first and was able to rescue all 4 crew off the vessel to safety.  No reports of injuries.

The Bald Eagle II remained aground for several days until it was refloated on December 15. The tug John Joseph was able to pull the fishing vessel free with the assistance of a backhoe which cleared out sand away from the hull.  No reports of pollution released.