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Tag: English Channel

Grande Colonia

Grande Colonia

Grande Colonia
Photo: facebook

On the afternoon of January 20, the 176 meter long, 12292 dwt car carrier Grande Colonia (IMO: 9318527) became disabled in the English Channel off Cape Gris-Nez, France. The Grande Colonia had suffered engine failure and had gone adrift. After the crew was unable to make repairs, the vessel dropped anchor and began arrangements for towing. French authorities dispatched the 91 meter long, 4250 dwt tugboat Abeille Normandie (IMO: 9442421) to the scene and be available to provide assistance if needed. The car carrier had also arranged for the 49 meter long, 1262 gt tug Centaurus (IMO: 9433755) which departed from Rotterdam, but would not be on site until the following day.

Around midnight on January 20, the Grande Colonia, pushed by wind and the tide, started to drag its anchor. To avoid the car carrier from running aground, the Abeille Normandie established a towline to secure the vessel. The Centaurus arrived on site later that day. It would take several attempts and most of the day to pass the tow to the tug. The Centaurus and Grande Colonia would proceed on to Flushing where it arrived on January 22. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.

 

Vauban

Vauban

Vauban CN807006
Photo: premar-manche.gouv.fr

On the evening of January 5, the Gris-Nez Regional Operational Surveillance and Rescue Center (CROSS) received a report two fishing vessels collided in the English Channel off the coast off Fécamp, France. Authorities state the 24 meter long, 189 gt fishing vessel Vauban CN807008 (IMO: 8543383) was struck by another fishing vessel (name not disclosed). The Vauban suffered damage to its port bow holed with uncontrolled water ingress.

French authorities dispatched the 18 meter long SNSM lifeboat SNS 089 Cap Fagnet (MMSI: 227003620) along with a Dauphin helicopter from the French Navy. The helicopter arrived on the scene and hoisted 3 of the 6 crew off the Vauban. These crew members would be transferred to the other fishing vessel involved in the incident. The remaining crew members on the Vauban would stay on board to run dewatering pumps delivered by the lifeboat. 

An hour later the helicopter was on site again. Two of the 3 crew members on the Vauban needed medical attention. These crew had suffered smoke inhalation from the exhaust from the dewatering pumps. Two crew from the SNSM lifeboat were winched aboard the Vauban to assist. Assisted by telemedicine physicians from Le Havre, the crew were provided medical treatment. Their conditions improved and there was no need for evacuation.

Authorities had the Vauban towed back to Fécamp where it would be met by local fire and rescue services who offered additional support to control the water ingress. The cause of the collision was not disclosed. 

 

 

Chant du Loup

Chant du Loup

Chant du Loup
Photo: lemarin.ouest-france.fr

On the afternoon of January 1, the fishing vessel Chant du Loup went aground in the English Channel just outside the harbor of Dieppe, France.  The Chant du Loup had contacted the Gris-Nez Regional Operational Surveillance and Rescue Center (CROSS) that the fishing vessel had become disabled. The vessel’s propeller had been entangled with a net and was unable to maneuver. 

The SNSM dispatched the 18 meter long lifeboat SNS 080 (MMSI: 227002990) to assist.  While the lifeboat was headed to the Chant du Loup, a nearby fishing vessel came to their aid. The fishing vessel attached a towline and proceeded back to Dieppe. Approximately 15 kilometers off Dieppe, the towline parted and the Chant du Loup went adrift. The lifeboat was on scene and took over the tow of the Chant du Loup. 

By evening, the lifeboat and the Chant du Loup had reached the entrance to the Dieppe when the towline parted again. Before another towline could be attached, the fishing vessel was driven onto the breakwater. The fishing vessel suffered hull damage and water ingress, but the area was to hazardous for other vessels to approach. The French Navy deployed a Dauphin helicopter which evacuated all 5 crew members off the Chant du Loup. Reports state the crew were given medical care once back on shore.

Reports state the Chant du Loup had partially sunk by the stern. The salvage of the vessel is now under the Seine-Maritime Maritime and Coastal Delegation.