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Tag: Collision

Patrick J. Studdert

Patrick J. Studdert

Patrick J Studdert

On the evening of December 29, the 28 meter long towboat Patrick J. Studdert (MMSI: 367534690) collided with the 225 meter long, 77073 dwt bulk carrier Clara B (IMO: 9304083) on the Mississippi River near the Hale Boggs Bridge in Luling, Louisiana. The Patrick J. Studdert sustained hull damage and uncontrolled water ingress from the collision. The five crew on board the towboat were forced to abandoned ship before the vessel sank. All the crew would later be rescued and taken to hospital for evaluation. The Clara B did not report any significant damage and proceeded to anchor nearby. No reports of injuries on either vessel.

Reports state the Patrick J. Studdert sank in 90 feet of water and a sheen of diesel fuel pollution was visible over the wreck. The Coast Guard and local authorities are monitoring the wreck for any further pollution being released. The incident is under investigation.

Clara B

Neel Kamal

Neel Kamal

Neel Kamal
Photo: uk.news.yahoo.com

On December 18, the passenger ferry Neel Kamal collided with an Indian Navy speedboat in the Indian Ocean off Mumbai, India. The Neel Kamal was taking some 111 passengers on a sightseeing trip to the Elephanta Caves, an island home to an UNESCO World Heritage site when it was rammed by the speedboat.  The passenger ferry’s hull was holed and the vessel suffered uncontrolled water ingress. The vessel would roll over onto its side as it sank.

Authorities were able to launch a search and rescue operation immediately after the collision. Multiple helicopters along with 15 naval, police and coast guard vessels assisted in rescuing survivors from the incident. Authorities were aided by several private boats along with the harbor pilot boat Poorva which was able to rescue 25 from the sea.

Authorities report that 111 people were rescued with 4 sustaining critical injuries. Officials stated that 2 passengers were still reported as missing and 13 people perished from the incident.

A passenger captured the incident on video showing the speedboat making high speed zigzags before it struck the Neel Kamal.  The Indian Navy has stated the speedboat had suffered engine failure and lost control. Authorities have stated the Neel Kamal was overloaded with passengers than it was rated for just 84 passengers and 6 crew. The incident is under investigation.

Geungwang

Geungwang

Geungwang
Photo: Korea Coast Guard

On the morning of December 9, the 29 tonne fishing vessel Geungwang collided with a 456 tonne barge in the Sea of Japan six kilometers off the coast of Gyeongju, South Korea. The Geungwang capsized after the collision trapping the eight crew on board. The Korea Coast Guard was alerted and dispatched 15 vessels and 6 helicopters to conduct a search and rescue operation. Divers were deployed and found seven persons inside the overturned fishing vessel. They would be recovered and taken to hospital where they were pronounced deceased. One member of the Geungwang crew is still reported as missing. Reports state there were no injures among the 10 crew onboard the barge. No further details reported.