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Tag: English Channel

Phillip Bay

Phillip Bay

Phillip Bay
Photo: SNSM

On the afternoon of December 26, the 180 meter long, 38683 dwt bulk carrier Phillip Bay (IMO: 9714757) caught fire in the English Channel some 40 kilometers north of Cherbourg, France. The fire started in the living quarters aboard the bulk carrier and sent out a distress call. French authorities dispatched a Navy helicopter with a response team including two fire fighters and a nautical expert. The tug Abeille Liberte and SNSM lifeboat were deployed assisted by an United Kingdom patrol boat. A few hours later the fire fighters extinguished the blaze. No reports of injuries.

Phillip Bay
Photo: SNSM

Reports state there was no damage to the cargo of food on board. The extent of damage to the living quarters was not disclosed. The Phillip Bay was escorted to Le Havre where it undergo inspection and repairs.

AMT Challenger

AMT Challenger

AMT Challenger
Photo: premar-manche.gouv.fr

On December 6, the 122 meter long, 19,129 dwt barge AMT Challenger (IMO: 9557721) ran aground in the English Channel on the French coast and Sotteville-sur-Mer, France. The barge was proceeding under tow by the 75 meter long, 3567 dwt tugboat Boka Glacier (IMO: 9344796) from Rotterdam bound for Portsmouth when the towline broke as a result of storm Darragh.  With rough conditions, the Boka Glacier was unable to reattach a towline. The following day two tugboats were dispatched to assist, but 40 knot winds made it impossible to reconnect the towline. The morning of December 8, a team was hoisted onto the AMT Challenger to attempt to drop the barge’s anchor, but the anchor didn’t hold. The AMT Challenger eventually ran aground on a sandbank some 300 meters off shore. The barge’s ballast pumps were engaged to keep the vessel stable.

Boka Glacier

Reports state the owners of the vessel have drawn up a salvage plan. Authorities are currently monitoring the vessel. No reports of injuries or pollution released.

L’Ecume II

L’Ecume II

L'Ecume II
Photo: itv.com

The 17 meter long fishing vessel L’Ecume II ran aground in the English Channel near St Aubin’s Fort, Jersey. The L’Ecume II had stranded during the low tide and was left high and dry on the sand. Local fire fighters and a lifeboat arrived on scene and help secure the fishing vessel. No reports of injuries to the 2 crew on board the L’Ecume II. The L’Ecume II was later refloated on the high tide. No reports of damage or pollution released. The cause of the grounding is under investigation.