England - Shipwreck Log

OMS Pollux

August 15, 2014 Paul Hancock

The 39 meter long, 247 dwt standby vessel OMS Pollux allided into a concrete pile next to a wind turbine under construction in the Irish Sea off Walney Island , England. The OMS Pollux had been at anchor off the construction site when one of the anchor lines parted allowing the vessel to swing around and strike the concrete pile. The standby vessel sustained damage to its port hull below the waterline puncturing one of the fuel tanks. No reports of injuries to the 18 persons on board. The RNLI lifeboat from Barrow arrived on scene and found the OMS Pollux was not taking on water. The vessels proceeded to Liverpool due to the fuel leak. The Barrow lifeboat escorted the OMS Pollux until it was met by the Lytham and Hoylake lifeboats which escorted the supply vessel the rest of the way to Liverpool. The vessel will remain outside the port until the fuel leak is stopped. Reports state the port of Barrow refused entry to the OMS Pollux due to the fuel leak. The MAIB has launched an investigation into the incident.

Pride of York

March 17, 2014 Paul Hancock

The 179 meter long ro-ro passenger ferry Pride of York allided with a gate while passing the King George lock in Hull, England. The ferry suffered a small gash some 6 meters above the waterline. The vessel was forced to return to port to make repairs and be inspected. The vessel was delayed for 12 hours The vessel had 230 passengers initially, but 168 cancelled and disembarked. The Pride of York was able to later sail to Zeebrugge.

Triple Collision off Dungeness

January 11, 2014 Paul Hancock

The 166 meter long bulk freighter Rickmers Dubai reported colliding with another vessel off Dungeness, England. The bulk carrier had struck another vessel during the night and contacted the Dover Coastguard of the incident. The other vessels involved was the 113 gt tug Kingston which was towing the barge Walcon Wizard. The RNLI launched lifeboats to the scene finding all three vessels in stable condition. Luckily, the Rickmers Dubai had passed between the tug and barge causing minimal damage to the tug and barge. The barge crew dropped its anchor and waited until it could be towed to Dover harbour later the same day. There were no injuries on any vessel involved. The Kingston was able to proceed under its own power back to port. The Rickmers Dubai anchored off Newhaven while authorities investigated the incident. No reports of pollution released.