On the night of January 26, the 159 meter long, 3505 dwt nuclear icebreaker 50 Let Pobedy (IMO: 9152959) collided with the 153 meter long, 20,144 dwt cargo vessel Yamal Krechet (IMO: 9202041) in the Kara Sea in the Northern Sea Route off Russia. Reports state the icebreaker was struck by the Yamal Krechet resulting in a large gash on the port bow hull above the waterline. Reports state the 50 Let Pobedy continued to operate and there was no damage to the vessel’s nuclear reactor.
Photo: x.com
News reports state the icebreaker may have to return to Murmansk for repairs. No reports of injuries on either vessel.
On the evening of January 23, the 87 foot long, 297 gt scalloper Vanquish (IMO: 9633056) collided with the 55 foot long trawler Mattie and Maren II (MMSI: 367388850) in the Atlantic Ocean approximately 10 miles south of Block Island, Rhode Island. The two fishing vessels were operating in foul weather with six foot waves and winds reaching 25 miles per hour when they collided. The Vanquish was undamaged and there were no injuries to the 6 crew onboard. However, the Mattie and Maren II sustained hull damage resulting in uncontrolled water ingress. The 4 crew on board donned survival suits and prepared to abandon ship due to the flooding.
A distress call was sent out with the United States Coast Guard responding. The Coast Guard dispatched the 47 foot motor life boat from Montauk, New York along with a Jayhawk helicopter from Cape Cod. Within an hour the motor life boat reached the Mattie and Maren II and assisted in dewatering efforts. Unfortunately, the trawler was too far waterlogged and weather conditions were deteriorating. The four crew were transferred safely off the trawler to the motor life boat and later taken to Montauk. No reports of injuries.
The Vanquish was able to proceed under its own power to port in New Bedford. The Coast Guard issued out a marine alert that the trawler was adrift in the area.
There were no additional reports of the status of the Mattie and Maren II. It may be assumed the trawler sank after the incident. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
On the morning of January 25, the 30 meter long passenger ferry Övelgönne (MMSI: 211151080) was in collision in poor visibility with a barge being pushed by the self-propelled container-barge Hanse (MMSI: 211760410) on the Elbe River at Hamburg, Germany. The Övelgönne was headed to the Dockland pier with 25 passengers from Finkenwerder when it approached the Hanse which had departed from Braunschweig with a convoy of barges. As the vessels approached the Dockland pier in dense fog, the Övelgönne was struck on the starboard hull by a lead barge. The ferry’s hull was partially crushed above the waterline with multiple windows smashed. Passengers were struck by flying debris and sprayed by water resulting in multiple injuries. One passenger was knock unconscious and was reported as in critical condition with a brain injury. Ten others on board were slightly injured with many suffering from hypothermia. The Övelgönne was able to berth where it was met by local authorities and emergency personnel. All the injured passengers were taken to hospital for treatment.
The Hanse was able to continue and proceeded to Waltershof where it berthed and met by local authorities. The water police launched an investigation into incident. Both the captains of the Övelgönne and Hanse were given a breathalyzer test which were negative. Authorities have reported that dense fog may have been a major factor in the collision. Initial investigation stated the Övelgönne was equipped with radar and it was manned with an experienced master. The investigation most likely will focus on why the radar wasn’t being monitored when visibility was limited at the time of the incident.
