On July 15, the 600 dwt cargo vessel Yamato Maru No. 8 collided with the 1630 dwt cargo vessel Hosho Maru off Ueshima Island in the Harima-nada Sea, Japan. The Yamato Maru No. 8 was headed to Osaka from Ako with 1300 tons of crushed stone when it was struck by the Hosho Maru. The Yamato Maru No. 8 capsized and sank. One crew was injured and two others perished on the Yamato Maru No. 8 while the five crew of the Hosho Maru were unhurt. The Hosho Maru was able to proceed The cause of the incident is under investigation by the Japan Coast Guard.
The 174 meter long, 38,115 dwt LPG Carrier Waasmunster collided with the fishing vessel Gros LouLou off Le Havre, France. The Waasmunster, loaded with 18000 tons of butane, was struck by the Gros LouLou. The Waasmunster sustained hull damage below the waterline and suffered water ingress, but no reports of pollution released. The Gros LouLou sustained damage to its bow and sustained some water ingress. No reports of injuries. Reports state salvage team was able to patch the hull of the Wassmunster a few hours after the collision.
On June 18, the 40 meter long passenger ship Austria Princess collided with the 73 meter long passenger ship Schönbrunn on the Danube near Dürnstein, Austria. The Schönbrunn was on a cruise from Krems to Dürnstein and back when it suffered rudder failure near Dürnstein. The vessel dropped anchor, but the current cause the anchor to drag allowing the Schönbrunn to gradually drift downstream. The Schönbrunn send out warning alerts to other vessels, but the Austria Princess proceeded towards the disabled Schönbrunn. The Austria Princess continued its approach from astern when it struck on its starboard side into the stern of the Schönbrunn. The Schönbrunn sustained damage to its bulwark and deck while more damage including shattered windows on the Austria Princess. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
The Austria Princess proceeded to Krems where it was able to berth with some difficulty before continuing on to Linz for repairs. The Schönbrunn remained in Dürnstein to be inspected. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
