Tug sunk by Russian Tall Ship
The 17 meter long tugboat Diver Master capsized and sank near Fanö Island off Esbjerg, Denmark. The tug was assisting the 115 meter long, 1645 dwt four-masted barque Kruzenshtern out of the harbour along with the tug Svitzer Helios. The Kruzenshtern was to let go the two hawsers, one attached to each tug. One slipped free while the other became stuck. The line pulled the Diver Master down towards the Kruzenshtern flooding the vessel. A water police boat was nearby and two of the three crew on the Diver Master were able to leap to safety. A third crewman fell into the water, but a line was secured to him to avoid being pulled under. The Diver Master capsized and later sank in 10 meters of water. Authorities have monitors over the wreck site monitoring for pollution. The tugboat had some 3000 litres of fuel on board at the time of the sinking. Reports state the tug sank in the middle of the fairway obstructing traffic to and from the port of Esbjerg. A salvage team is expected to raise the tug by the following week.
