The 75 meter long, 1537 dwt cargo vessel Darwin ran aground in the Lillebælt off Årø Island, Denmark. The Darwin was heading for Kolding from Hamburg with a cargo of sunflower meal when it grounded in shallow water. No reports of injuries.
The Darwin remained aground as authorities requested diver to inspect the hull for damage. Reports state the cargo vessel had grounded near a fish farm and authorities were concerned over possible release of pollution.
Divers inspected the hull and found no damage. The tug Baltsund was dispatched to the scene and pulled the Darwin free. The Darwin continued on its voyage to Kolding.
The 22 meter long catamaran passenger ferry Issehoved allided with a quay at Aarhus, Denmark. The Issehoved was approaching the quay when it struck at the bow. None of the 50 passengers were injured, but the vessel’s bow sustained damage. The Issehoved was towed to a dock and passengers were transferred to another ferry. Reports state the vessel resumed it schedule the next day.
On March 27, the 178 meter long, 24700 dwt container ship Delphis Gdansk collided with the 190 meter long, 37506 dwt cargo vessel BBC Neptune off Kalundborg, Denmark. The Delphis Gdansk was en route to Russia from the Netherlands when it approached the bulk carrier Western Boheme and cargo vessel BBC Neptune. The Delphis Gdansk altered its course so that the container ship would pass to the port side of the Western Boheme while the BBC Neptune also changed course to port. While the Delphis Gdansk passed safely by the Western Boheme, the container ship was struck amidship by the BBC Neptune’s starboard hull near the bow.
Both vessels sustained significant damage with hull breaches above the waterline. The Delphis Gdansk had several containers lost or destroyed during the collision. After the collision, a fire started on the BBC Neptune. A response boat was dispatched with fire fighters and were able to assist in extinguishing the blaze. No reports of injuries on either vessel.
Photo: slobodnadalmacija.hr
Authorities dispatched additional response vessels and aircraft to the scene while salvors began a search of containers in the shipping channel. Reports stated seven containers had been lost in the collision. By the next day, salvors had recovered three containers floating in the channel.
Photo: slobodnadalmacija.hr
Photo: fyens.dk
Photo: fyens.dk
Photo: fyens.dk
Photo: fyens.dk
Reports state both the Delphis Gdansk and BBC Neptune will be taken to a nearby shipyard for repairs. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
