On the night of July 23, the 61 meter long, 900 dwt hopper dredger Ingulsky J (IMO: 9646912) exploded on the Danube near Vilkovo, Ukraine. The Ingulsky J while dredging in the Bystre estuary when it struck a mine which exploded. The dredge sustained significant damage and sank in the waterway. The explosion killed 3 crew and injured 8 others on board the dredge. The injured crew were taken to hospital for treatment. Reports state the Danube remains open with the southern Sulin Channel open to commercial traffic. The Bystre has been open to commercial vessels after Ukraine liberated Snake Island from Russian control. Ukrainian authorities are investigating incident.
On the afternoon of July 25, the 107 meter long, 2205 dwt suction dredger Hein (IMO: 7911856) allided on the Weser River at the port of Brake, Germany. Accordingly to the Water Police, the Hein had veered from its course and struck a quay in the port before coming to rest at the edge of the riverbank. The dredger sustained significant bow damage with the hull holed in multiple places, but no reports of injuries from the incident. During the incident, the dredger had struck on the cranes on the quay causing it to topple over onto the vessel. Reports state the crane was smashed onto the deck and tore several hydraulic lines. Authorities confirmed that some hydraulic oil entered the Weser, but the amount was minimal and would evaporate quickly.
Photo: nwzonline.de
Photo: tixio.de
Photo: vesseltracker.com
The incident is under investigation. There was no initial reports to why the Hein changed course. A salvage company has been contacted to plan how the dredger will be recovered.
On the evening of April 15, the 144 meter long, 20421 dwt dredger Hong Hai 16 (IMO: 8665870) capsized in the Mindoro Strait off Barangay Malawaan, Rizal, Occidental Mindoro, Philippines. The Hong Hai 16 had lost stability while dredging a short distance off the coast.
A video caught the vessel listing heavily to port before it suddenly rolled over in less than a minute. Of the 25 crew on board the sand dredger, 14 crew were able to escape and found in the water near the hull.
The Philippine Coast Guard arrived on scene and began a search and rescue operation looking for the missing crew. The initial search found the body of one crew member. Divers were brought to the site and began searching within the Hong Hai 16‘s compartments. Divers would find 3 more bodies trapped inside the vessel. The Coast Guard states there is some hope the missing crew members may be found alive possibly in the engine room.
Photo: x.com
An oil sheen was spotted around the overturned Hong Hai 16. The Coast Guard deployed booms around the stern off the hull to contain the pollution.
Photo: Philippine Coast Guard
Photo: Philippine Coast Guard
Photo: Philippine Coast Guard
Photo: Philippine Coast Guard
Photo: Philippine Coast Guard
Photo: x.com
Photo: Philippine Coast Guard
Photo: gmanetwork.com
Authorities have contacted the vessel’s owner to start salvage operations. The Coast Guard has asked ship’s owner to hire an accredited salvor while it conducted an underwater survey and risk assessment. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
