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 June 27, the 274 meter long, 158622 dwt suezmax tanker Vilamoura (IMO: 9529293) suffered an explosion in the Mediterranean Sea some 90 nautical miles off Zueitina, Libya. The Vilamoura departed from Zueitina loaded with 1 million barrels of crude oil bound for Gibraltar when it suffered an engine room explosion. The explosion caused a hull breach resulting in water ingress. The crew were unable to stop the ingress resulting in the engine room being completely flooded leaving the vessel adrift. Fortunately, there were no injuries and no pollution released.
Reports states the Vilamoura was to be taken under tow and taken to a shipyard in Greece. The cause of the explosion was not disclosed, but some sources speculated the explosion could have been caused by a mine planted by saboteurs. Several prior vessels that had made voyages to Russia have exploded in the recent past. Some security firms believe it was caused by Ukrainian backed forces.
On the morning of June 26, the 14 meter long fishing vessel Santa Rita (MMSI: 224068130) became disabled in the Bay of Biscay some 32 miles north northwest of A Coruña, Spain. The Santa Rita had its propeller become fouled by fishing gear in its propeller. The vessel requested assistance with the Salvamento Marítimo dispatching the SAR vessel Salvamar Betelgeuse. The Salvamar Betelgeuse took the Santa Rita under tow and proceeded to the port of Cedeira. No reports of injuries to the four crew.