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Tag: Cargo Vessel

Madicken

Madicken

Madicken
Photo: tagesschau.de

Just after midnight on January 2, the 88 meter long, 3785 dwt cargo vessel Madicken (IMO: 9195755) allided with the lock gate on the Kiel Canal at Brunsbüttel, Germany. The Madicken was proceeding from Hamburg to Klaipeda when it suffered engine failure at the entrance to the north lock. The vessel attempted to drop anchor as part of emergency measures, but the Madicken still struck the lock gate. The lock gate was sustained a 9 meter wide dent with parts stoved-in a full 2 meters. Reports state the lock chamber floor may also be damaged from the vessel’s anchor. There were no injuries.

The Madicken only sustained minor damage and proceeded out of the lock and moored nearby.  Authorities detained the cargo vessel until it could be inspected further.  Traffic through the north lock was halted as could no longer be used and will be out of service for some considerable time. The incident is under investigation.

Maelys II

Maelys II

Maelys II
Photo: Facebook

On December 23, the 75 meter long, 1392 dwt ro-ro cargo vessel Maelys II (IMO: 7035456) capsized in Port-au-Prince Bay while berthed at des Varreux, Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The Maelys II was loading trucks as part of cabotage operations between Grand Sud and Port-au-Prince when the vessel lost stability. The ro-ro quickly developed a severe list to port eventually allowing water ingress. Unable to stop the flooding or correct the list, the Maelys II partially sank on its port hull.  Reports state 17 were injured and 7 crew on board perished during the incident.

The vessel owners stated the vessel will be righted and put back into service. There was no statement that this incident would be investigated by Haitian authorities.

Ursa Major

Ursa Major

Ursa Major
Photo: x.com

On December 23, the 142 meter long, 9400 dwt cargo vessel Ursa Major (IMO: 9538892) sank in the Mediterranean Sea some 58 miles off the coast of Almeira, Spain. The Ursa Major had departed from St. Petersburg, Russia on December 11 and reported to be bound for Vladivostok with empty containers in the hold, cargo hatches for icebreakers and two cranes on deck.  While sailing between Spain and Algeria, the vessel suffered an explosion in the engine room. The crew had been trying to fix the fuel line to the main engine when vapors ignited. The explosion damaged the main engine resulting in a power blackout and hull damage.  The vessel’s hull had partially blown out resulting in uncontrolled water ingress.  Unable to contain the flooding, the vessel developed a starboard list.

Fourteen of the 16 crew on board abandoned the Ursa Major in the vessel’s lifeboat. Spanish authorities were alerted and the Salvamento Maritimó sent out two vessels and a helicopter to assist. All 14 crew would be rescued and safely transported to the port of Cartagena, Spain.  A Russian warship arrived on scene a short time later and took charge of search and rescue operations. No further details on the 2 missing crew.

The Ursa Major would later sink the following morning on December 24.  Authorities have alerted of the possible damage from drifting wreckage around where the vessel sank. News reports outside of Russia state the Ursa Major was most likely headed for Syria or Libya and not Vladivostok.