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Tag: Cargo Vessel

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

Dolfijn

Dolfijn

Dolfijn

On June 26, the 81 meter long, 2450 dwt cargo vessel Dolfijn allided with wooden pilings on a pier at the outer lock in Brunsbüttel, Germany. The Dolfijn was approaching the southern lock when strong currents pull the cargo vessel onto the pilings. The vessel sustained scratches to its paint while the pilings sustained minor damage. The Dolfijn was allowed to proceed on its journey. No reports of injuries or pollution released.

Baltic Arrow

Baltic Arrow

Baltic Arrow
Photo: peterboroughtoday.co.uk

On the morning of June 25, the 80 meter long, 3002 dwt cargo vessel Baltic Arrow (IMO: 9243863) ran aground on the River Nene near Wisbech, England. The Baltic Arrow was proceeding to Wisbech from Riga with a cargo of timber with a pilot onboard. While making a course correction, the Baltic Arrow swung to starboard and ran aground with the bow stuck on the river bank and the stern on the opposite bank. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.

Initial attempts to refloat the vessel were unsuccessful due to the low water levels. A later attempt assisted by two tugs was successful later the same day on the evening high tide.  Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. A preliminary report stated the pilot didn’t realize he had over-corrected the vessel’s heading resulting in the grounding. Fatigue was mentioned as a contributing factor as the pilot was at the helm for over 2 hours.  Local authorities have done a survey of the river and begun additional training for its pilots.