On January 2, the 12 meter long, 19 gt fishing vessel Kulle Christoph SK30 sank in the Baltic Sea at Heikendorf, Germany. The fishing vessel had been in a bad state for some time before it sprung a leak and sunk at its berth. Reports state the vessel was owned by a local authority which was looking for a way to scrap/dispose of the vessel. There were no crew on board at the time it sank. Authorities have placed booms around the Kulle Christoph SK30 to contain the pollution. A salvage company will remove the vessel after all the necessary paperwork is completed.
On the afternoon of January 10, the 274 meter long, 46578 dwt tanker Eventin (IMO: 9308065) became disabled on the Baltic Sea some 14 miles north of Rügen Island, Germany. The tanker had departed from Ust-Luga bound for Port Said with 99,000 tons of crude oil when it suffered main engine failure and power blackout. Unable to restart the engine, the Eventin went adrift. German authorities deployed the support vessel Arkona (IMO: 9285811) and the tug Bremen Fighter (IMO: 9321287) to take the tanker under tow.
By the evening of January 10, the tug Bremen Fighter had taken the Eventin under tow. Reports state that two additional tugs were en route to assist with towing operations. Reports state there was rough conditions in the area with waves reaching 3 meters. Authorities have not released where the tanker will be towed. The tanker could towed either to Rostock, Swinemünde or another nearby port. No injuries to the 24 crew on board or1 pollution released.
Photo: havariekommando.de
Photo: havariekommando.de
Photo: havariekommando.de
Photo: havariekommando.de
Photo: dw.com
Photo: ndr.de
Reports state the Eventin is part of the Russian shadow fleet which operate with their AIS off and known to be in unseaworthy condition. German authorities state they have concern these vessel pose a threat to critical infrastructure and the environment.
On November 25, the 31 meter long, 1000 dwt catamaran ro-ro passenger ferry Express 5 (IMO: 9913286) allided in the Baltic Sea off Bornholm, Denmark. The Express 5, one of the largest catamaran ferries in the world, was departing from Rønne when it struck the breakwater. The ferry sustained hull damage with a long crease along its starboard hull. The Express 5 had to return to its berth and passengers were disembarked. No reports of injuries.
The Express 5 was taken to a drydock for repairs. After temporary repairs were completed on November 29, the vessel was allowed to go back into service Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
