Browsed by
Tag: England

Altay

Altay

Altay
Photo: bbc.co.uk

On the morning of June 27, the 120 meter long, 8184 dwt  bulk carrier Altay (IMO: 9349992) caught fire in the North Sea while berthed at Kingston-upon-Hull, England.  The fire started in the cargo hold that was loaded with 3500 tons of scrap metal. Large gray plumes of smoke enveloped the bulk carrier which forced an evacuation of the crew. The local fire brigade was called out with five fire engines involved in extinguishing the blaze. Nearby residents were advised to keep their windows and doors closed as smoke spread through out the city. No reports of injuries.

Fire fighters stated it would take some time to completely extinguish the blaze.  Witnesses reported there were still thick smoke with a smell of burning rubber in the area 5 hours after the blaze had started. Authorities have stated getting access to the area in the hold where the fire was not feasible. Thus, the fire brigade is unloading the burning scrap onto the quay where it would be extinguished. This operation went all day into early the next morning until the fire was finally extinguished.  Crews remain on site just in case the fire would reignite again.

There has been no reports of the extent of damage to the Altay or to the cargo of scrap. UK authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

St Annes

St Annes

St Annes
Photo: bbc.co.uk

On the evening of June 20, the 26 foot long fishing vessel St Annes sunk in Sutton Harbour at Plymouth, England. The St Annes, built in 1961, had been moored in Sutton Harbour for more than a year when it suffered uncontrolled water ingress and sunk at its mooring. No one was on board the vessel during the sinking, but several witnesses watched the vessel sitting low in the water before it lost buoyancy and sank.

The vessel’s owner was contacted and plans to recover the vessel.  Divers will attempt to refloat the vessel and have the St Annes hauled back to shore. The St Annes is well known in the area and a tourist attraction with its hull painted of illustrations. The cause of the sinking was not reported.

Scot Bay

Scot Bay

Scot Bay
Photo: mirror.co.uk

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.