During the early morning hours of March 10, the 110 meter long, 5586 dwt cargo vessel Ibrahim Simsek collided with the 222 meter long, 37938 dwt container ship Stadt Dresden in Izmit Bay, Sea of Marmara near Darica, Turkey. The Ibrahim Simsek struck along the port side of the stern of the Stadt Dresden. The Stadt Dresden suffered a gash in the hull above the waterline while the Ibrahim Simsek had significant bow damage and lost an anchor. No reports of injuries.
Photo: turkdeniz.com
Photo: habertakvimi.com
Photo: habertakvimi.com
Photo: turkdeniz.com
Both vessels dropped anchor near the collision site. Turkish authorities were alerted and dispatched a team to the scene. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
The 155 meter long, 13520 dwt container ship Containerships VI allided with lock wall in the Kiel Canal at Brunsbüttel, Germany. The vessel was proceeding through the southern lock when strong winds caused the port stern to strike the middle wall in the lock. The Containerships VI sustained minimal damage and was allowed to continue on its voyage from Rotterdam to Helsinki. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
On January 3, the 321 meters long, 100003 dwt container ship Yantian Express caught fire in the Atlantic Ocean between Bermuda and Canada. The Yantian Express was en route to Halifax from Colombo, Sri Lanka when a fire started in one of the containers on the fore deck. Winds caused the fire to quickly spread to other containers on deck. The vessel changed course to reduce the winds as crew attempted to extinguish the blaze. The fire continued to spread as strong winds made it difficult to contain. The Yantian Express requested assistance with several salvage tugs responding.
Photo: cbc.ca
Photo: globalnews.ca
Photo: globalnews.ca
On January 6, the salvage tug Smit Nicobar arrived on scene and began fire fighting efforts. The tug also evacuated 11 of the 23 crew off the Yantian Express. Reports state another tug had been dispatched from St. John’s to tow the Yantian Express to Halifax. No reports of injuries.
Update January 12
The owners of the Yantian Express provided an update stating the fire has spread from the deck to containers in Holds 1 and 2. Containers in Bay 1 to 24 have been damaged by fire, smoke, heat or by water in the fire fighting efforts. All reefer containers in the area impacted were turned off as a precaution.
Update January 19
Reports state there are three tugs assisting the Yantian Express. The container ship was taken under tow on January 16 to be towed to Halifax. Owners report that the fire was “widely” contained, but fire fighting efforts were still ongoing.
