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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.

Harbour Princess

Harbour Princess

Harbour Princess
Photo: globalnews.ca

On the morning of August 3, the 26 meter long passenger ship Harbour Princess (MMSI: 316022498) ran aground in the Burrand Inlet off Point Atkinson, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The Harbour Princess was on a morning excursion with 58 passengers when it struck a rock in Starboat Cove. Passengers reported the vessel made a loud thud and abruptly stopped. The jolt knocked some off their feet.  The passenger ship sent out a distress call with multiple agencies responding led by the Canadian Coast Guard. The Harbour Princess did not suffer any water ingress, but the passenger ship was escorted back to its berth in Coal Harbour where it safely unloaded its passengers. Reports state 2 passengers were injured during the incident. One was taken to hospital for treatment.

According to news reports, the Harbour Princess struck the rock close to high tide.  Authorities have not stated if this obstruction was clearly mapped on the charts or not. Authorities have not yet stated if there will be an investigation into the incident.