On July 7, the 190 meter long, 55869 dwt bulk carrier Aya Evolution (IMO: 9700354) went adrift on the Adriatic Sea at Split, Croatia. The Aya Evolution had broken free of its mooring lines during a severe storm. The bulk carrier drifted away from its berth into the harbour. Fortunately, a tugboat was able to keep the Aya Evolution from striking the pier or any other vessel. The tug assisted the bulk carrier back to its berth. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
On the morning of July 7, the 91 meter long, 804 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry Petar Hektorović (IMO: 8702446) allided in the Adriatic Sea at the port of Split, Croatia. The Petar Hektorović had gone adrift as its mooring lines snapped during a severe storm. The strong winds and blinding rain quickly pushed the ferry through the harbour in Split. The Petar Hektorović would minutes later strike a moored 47.5 meter long, 84 dwt catamaran passenger ship Krilo (IMO: 9500493) before striking the nearby tourist passenger ship 43.5 meter long Kruna Mora. The tourist boat was severely damaged by the allision and would later sink. The master of the Petar Hektorović would drop both of its anchors to keep the ferry from causing any further damage.
Local fire brigade along with emergency personnel arrived on scene and found there were no injuries and no pollution released. Fire fighters placed booms around the sunken Kruna Mora to contain any pollution released. The full extent of damage to the Petar Hektorović and the Krilo was not disclosed, but the ferry showed a visible gash along the hull above the waterline along with some hull damage to the stern. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
On the evening of June 16, the 27 meter long catamaran passenger ferry Melita (IMO: 8517413) sank on the Adriatic Sea off Zadar, Croatia. The Melita was carrying 38 passengers bound for Zadar when waves or an unidentified object struck the ferry resulting in a large crack in the one of the hulls. The crack allowed uncontrolled water ingress into the port hull and the vessel quickly began to sink.
Fortunately, the Melita was just minutes away from the port of Zadar. Authorities dispatched the 87 meter long ro-ro passenger ferry Jadran (IMO: 8517413) to assist. The Jadran was able to safely transfer the 38 passengers and 5 crew off the Melita via life rafts. The rescued were later transported to the nearby port of Gaženica. No reports of injuries.
