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.
On March 20, the 39 meter long fishing vessel Deborah collided with the 82 meter long, 2289 dwt cargo vessel Britannica Hav in the English Channel near Cherbourg, France. The Britannica Hav was en route to Keadby from Santander with a cargo of steel when it was struck amidships by the Deborah. The Britannica Hav sustained severe hull damage and the cargo holds quickly filled with water. Her seven crew were able to escape into the cargo vessel’s two life rafts before the Britannica Hav capsized.
The Deborah was able to rescue the seven crewmen from the life rafts. Authorities dispatched a helicopter from Jobourg to assist. The helicopter was able to hoist all seven crew from the Britannica Hav off the trawler. One crewman from the Britannica Hav suffered slight injuries and was taken to hospital.
The Deborah sustained bow damage during the collision, but was able to stay afloat. The master of the Deborah also sustained injuries, but decided to stay on board the vessel until it could return back to port in Zeebrugge. There he was later taken to hospital for treatment.
Authorities dispatched patrol boats to the scene to monitor the overturned Britannica Hav. Pollution from the fuel tanks was spotted around the wreck. Debris including several hatch covers were being tracked as being a danger to navigation.
Photo: francebleu.fr
Photo: lemarin.fr
Photo: lemarin.fr
Photo: lemarin.fr
Photo: lemarin.fr
Photo: francebleu.fr
Photo: nieuwsblad.be
Reports state the authorities dispatched the tug Abeille Liberté to the scene to take the overturned Britannica Hav under tow. After connecting a towline, they proceeded for Le Havre at a slow speed so that the Britannica Hav would not sink. Another tug was dispatched and recovered the hatch covers.
The 183 meter long, 48580 dwt tanker Seafrontier collided with the 225 meter long, 75492 dwt bulk carrier Huayang Endeavour in the English Channel near Dover, England. The Huayang Endeavour struck the loaded Seafrontier near the stern. The tanker sustained a hull breach above the waterline and damage to multiple levels to its superstructure. The Huayang Endeavour also sustained damage to it’s bow section. No reports of injuries on either vessel and no reports of pollution released.
The tug Abeille Languedoc was dispatched from Boulogne and took the Seafrontier under tow. The Huayang Endeavour dropped anchor in the channel between the shipping lanes for a period, but later proceeded on to Dunkerque. The Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) in Dover dispatched two patrol boats and two helicopters to conduct an assessment. An investigation of the incident has been launched.
