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Tag: Coast Guard

Ocean Researcher V

Ocean Researcher V

Ocean Researcher V
Photo: Taiwan Coast Guard

On October 10, the 73 meter long, 2,700 ton research vessel Ocean Researcher V ran aground and sank off Penghu Islands, Taiwan. The Ocean Researcher V departed October 5 from Tainan City for an eight day research expedition with 27 researchers and 18 crew. On October 10, the Ocean Researcher V was seeking shelter from Typhoon Vangfong when it ran aground onto a reef near Penghu Islands. The vessel sustained hull damage with water ingress.  The vessel lost power and was sinking.  The crew  quickly sent out a distress call.

Ocean Researcher V
Photo: Taiwan Ministry

Authorities dispatched two navy vessels and four patrol boats from the Coast Guard. A helicopter was dispatched and attempted to airlift the people off the research vessel, but large waves snapped the cable holding  the cage.   The 45 people on board put on life jackets and abandoned ship.  Some were able to climb into rubber life rafts while others jumped into the sea.

Rescuers pulled 43 survivors which 25 had suffered injuries. Two bodies were also recovered.  Reports state the two who perished were researchers including the head researcher leading the expedition.

Reports state the ministry who owns the vessel will attempt to salvage the research vessel.  The Ocean Researcher V cost $48 million (US) to build in 2013.

Tiger Shark

Tiger Shark

Tiger Shark
Photo: uscg

The 50 foot long fishing vessel Tiger Shark sank near Thunder Hole, Maine. The fishing boat had sprung a leak when a hull plank let go while in Acadia National Park. The captain, who was the only person on board, sent out a distress call and was rescued by another vessel. The Tiger Shark would drift onto the rocks near Thunder Hole.  No reports of injuries. The Tiger Shark sustained significant damage the following night.  Authorities had a salvage company remove the fuel and batteries from the fishing vessel to minimize the pollution released. The Coast Guard has started an investigation into the incident.

Stoc Marcia

Stoc Marcia

Stoc Marcia
Photo: Sjöräddningssällskapet

On October 2, the 100 meter long tanker Stoc Marcia caught fire off Ronneby, Sweden. The fire started in the electrical system in the engine room. The vessel alerted authorities  while the crew evacuated the engine room and activated the fire suppression system.  The Skillinge lifeboat and a helicopter with local fire fighters arrived on scene a short time later.  After inspecting that the fire was completely extinguished, the fire fighters returned to Skillinge.  None of the 12 crew on board the Stoc Marcia were injured. The fire damaged the engine and the tanker required assistance.  The Swedish Coast Guard stood by until a tug arrived the following morning.  The tug and the Stoc Marcia proceeded to Landskrona.  No reports of pollution released.