On July 29, the 55 meter long, 100 dwt high-speed catamaran passenger ferry Flyingcat 4 allided with the breakwater at Rafina, Greece. The vessel was heading into Rafina to dock with 209 passengers and 6 crew when it suffered a mechanical fault as it approached the breakwater. The ferry sustained damage, but there were no injuries on board. Greek coast guard dispatched vessels to the scene and transferred passengers off the ferry to shore. Reports state divers were requested to inspect the hull for damage.
On July 24, the 21 meter long passenger ship Boramar caught fire off Illa da Toxa, Spain. A short time after the Boramar left port, the catamaran suffered an explosion and resulting fire. Within seconds flames consumed the vessel forcing all 48 passengers and three crew to jump into the sea. Nearby boaters responded to the scene and pulled the survivors from the water. Spanish authorities responded to the scene with fire fighters and ambulances. Two medical helicopters, patrol boats and fire fighting vessels arrived to provide aid to the survivors and help extinguish the fire.
Photo: twitter
Some 38 persons sustained injuries with a small number suffering from severe burns. Reports state five persons were taken to hospital for treatment. Reports state all 51 on board were accounted for and there were no fatalities. Reports state the Boramar superstructure and hull was completely destroyed before the fire was brought under control.
The cause of the explosion and fire is still under investigation. The Boramar had only been put into service a week ago. Some reports have stated the catamaran had struck a small flat-bottom boat resulting in an explosion. Others witnesses say the explosion and fire started near the galley on the Boramar which may have been caused by a rupture in a pressurized gas cylinder. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
The 22 meter long catamaran passenger ferry Issehoved allided with a quay at Aarhus, Denmark. The Issehoved was approaching the quay when it struck at the bow. None of the 50 passengers were injured, but the vessel’s bow sustained damage. The Issehoved was towed to a dock and passengers were transferred to another ferry. Reports state the vessel resumed it schedule the next day.
