Browsed by
Tag: Bulk carrier

Radcliffe R Latimer

Radcliffe R Latimer

Radcliffe R Latimer

On the night of August 11, the 225 meter long, 37257 dwt self-unloading bulk carrier Radcliffe R. Latimer (IMO: 7711725) caught fire in Whitefish Bay, Lake Superior near Ile Parisienne, Canada. The Radcliffe R. Latimer was headed for Port Daniel, Quebec with a cargo of petroleum coke when a fire broke out in the vessel’s engine room. The crew was able to quickly extinguish the blaze using the bulk carrier’s CO2 fire suppression system, but the fire left the vessel without power. With the vessel adrift, the Radcliffe R. Latimer requested assistance of a tug. The tug assisted the bulk carrier to an area where it could drop anchor.  The United States Coast Guard had deployed its response boat from Sault Ste. Marie to be on scene to monitor.

Reports state there were no injuries to the 21 crew and no pollution was released. Canadian authorities have taken charge of the salvage plan.

Federal Yamaska

Federal Yamaska

Federal Yamaska
Photo: Facebook

On the morning of August 12, the 180 meter long, 37144 dwt bulk carrier Federal Yamaska (IMO: 9609665) ran aground on the St. Lawrence River near Verchères, Quebec. The Federal Yamaska departed from Trois Rivières bound for Montreal with a cargo of sugar when it suffered engine failure and lost power. The bulk carrier drift out of the navigation channel and stranded. The Canadian Coast Guard reports there has been no injuries and no pollution released.

Authorities have stated the vessel owner is to provide a salvage plan to refloat the Federal Yamaska. There was no indication that the bulk carrier would be refloated in the next few days. Reports do state the Federal Yamaska partially rests in the navigation channel, but the vessel is not blocking traffic.

Some reports have speculated the grounding was due to the low water levels being at the lowest in 15 years. However, the Canadian Coast Guard has stated that water levels had no part in this incident.

Presque Isle

Presque Isle

Presque Isle
Photo: sootoday.com

On the morning of July 29, the 305 meter long self-unloading bulk carrier Presque Isle (IMO: 7303877) released pollution on the St. Marys River near Neebish Island, Michigan. The Presque Isle was heading upbound towards the Soo Locks when it suffered steering issues. The bulk carrier proceeded several miles where it could drop anchor and investigate the issue. During the investigation, the crew found some 20 gallons of hydraulic oil had been discharged into the river with a visible sheen.  A boom was placed around the stern of the Presque Isle to contain the pollution. Traffic was halted on the river while authorities completed a survey. Reports stated that traffic was reopened later and that the oil sheen had dissipated a few days later.