On the morning of November 10, the 91 meter long, 3154 dwt cargo vessel Scot Bay (IMO: 9243930) ran aground on the River Teign near Teignmouth, England. The vessel got stuck trying to enter the port from a voyage from IJmuiden on the ebb tide. The Scot Bay sustained a slight list to starboard, but no reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
Reports state the Scot Bay remained aground until the evening. Aided by the high tide, tugs were able to pull the cargo vessel free. Reports state the Scot Bay had been at anchor for several days before attempting to enter the harbour with its cargo of animal feed. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has started an investigation into the incident.
On April 9, the 350 meter long, 120853 dwt container ship CMA CGM Pelleas (IMO: 9365788) ran aground in the English Channel at Southampton, England. The CMA CGM Pelleas was departing from its berth in Southampton bound for Rotterdam when it made a navigation error and nearly struck a retaining wall, but instead ran aground just short of the wall.
Photo: bbc.co.uk
Photo: bbc.co.uk
Harbour tugs were able to quickly pull the container ship free and escort the vessel to a berth. There were no reports of injuries. The CMA CGM Pelleas is to be inspected for any damage from the incident. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has launched an investigation into the incident.
On the morning of March 10, the 140 meter long, 9322 dwt container ship Solong (IMO: 9322554) allided with the 183 meter long, 49729 dwt tanker Stena Immaculate (IMO: 9693018) in the North Sea some 10 nautical miles off the Humber estuary near Hull, Lincolnshire, England. The Solong was en route to Rotterdam from Grangemouth, Scotland when it struck the port hull amidships of the Stena Immaculate which was at anchor. Both vessels sustained major damage with the tanker having its tanks ruptured and releasing jet fuel into the sea. After the allision, reports state there were several explosions and fire engulfed the tanker. Observers stated that fuel spilt into the sea has caught fire as well. The crews from both vessels have evacuated and there were conflicting reports of casualties and crew men injured. Latest report states all crew were rescued from both vessels with one crew member injured (subject to be updated later).
UK Authorities dispatched multiple fire fighting vessels aided by the RNLI who launched four lifeboats to the scene. The HM Coastguard
The Stena Immaculate was loaded with jet fuel bound for one of the United States Army military bases located in the United Kingdom. UK Authorities have not released the cause of the allision at this time. Some news accounts suggest the Solong was on autopilot at the time and the vessel never changed course before it struck the tanker. There is speculation that the container ship failed to maintain a proper watch as weather was not a factor in the allision. UK authorities continue to investigate as the situation is ongoing.
