On April 7, two cargo vessels collided on the Pearl River in Guangzhou, China near the Hedong Bridge. Reports states one vessel was loaded with sand contacted with another vessel loaded with a salt. The cargo vessel loaded with sand lost stability and capsized. The four crew on board fell into the river and were later rescued by nearby vessels. All four were taken to hospital for treatment. Additional reports state a floating crane was being brought to the scene to right the overturn vessel. No details of damage or injuries to the cargo vessel transporting salt. Authorities did not disclose the names of either vessel involved in the collision.
On April 6, the 97 meter long cargo vessel Da Pu Jiang sank off Zhejiang Province, China. The cargo vessel was headed for Wufu from Caofeidian when it sank in waters near Ningbo, China.
Authorities launched a search and rescue operation. A rescue vessel and arrived to find 10 of the 13 crew on board had been able to abandoned ship into the vessel’s life raft. A helicopter located two more crew men in the water and hoisted them to safety. Rescuers later discovered the body of the remaining crewman in the water.
On March 27, the 178 meter long, 24700 dwt container ship Delphis Gdansk collided with the 190 meter long, 37506 dwt cargo vessel BBC Neptune off Kalundborg, Denmark. The Delphis Gdansk was en route to Russia from the Netherlands when it approached the bulk carrier Western Boheme and cargo vessel BBC Neptune. The Delphis Gdansk altered its course so that the container ship would pass to the port side of the Western Boheme while the BBC Neptune also changed course to port. While the Delphis Gdansk passed safely by the Western Boheme, the container ship was struck amidship by the BBC Neptune’s starboard hull near the bow.
Both vessels sustained significant damage with hull breaches above the waterline. The Delphis Gdansk had several containers lost or destroyed during the collision. After the collision, a fire started on the BBC Neptune. A response boat was dispatched with fire fighters and were able to assist in extinguishing the blaze. No reports of injuries on either vessel.
Photo: slobodnadalmacija.hr
Authorities dispatched additional response vessels and aircraft to the scene while salvors began a search of containers in the shipping channel. Reports stated seven containers had been lost in the collision. By the next day, salvors had recovered three containers floating in the channel.
Photo: slobodnadalmacija.hr
Photo: fyens.dk
Photo: fyens.dk
Photo: fyens.dk
Photo: fyens.dk
Reports state both the Delphis Gdansk and BBC Neptune will be taken to a nearby shipyard for repairs. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
