Fish Factory – Shipwreck Log

Joseph Roty II

February 20, 2018 Paul Hancock

On February 15, the 90 meter long fish factory Joseph Roty II became disabled 240 nautical miles off Killybegs, Ireland. The vessel had been fishing when its main engine failed. The Joseph Roty II went adrift while crew attempted to make repairs. After several days, the crew were unable to restore power. The fish factory requested assistance and a tug was dispatched. On February 18, the tug Ocean Challenger took the Joseph Roty II under tow to Killybegs.

Divers inspected the Joseph Roty II and found a net had fouled the vessel’s propeller. No reports of injuries to the 58 crew, damage or pollution released.

Verano

November 14, 2016 Paul Hancock

On November 6, the 97 meter long, 3535 dwt fish factory ship Verano caught fire while berthed in Cape Town, South Africa. The fire started by welding on the main deck and quickly spread through the decks and superstructure. Some of the 800,000 styrofoam containers on board the Verano caught fire and spewed out a thick flume of toxic smoke. The five crew on board the Verano were able to escape the blaze while local authorities dispatched several teams of fire fighters to the scene. Assisted by local tugs, fire crews were eventually able to contain the blaze, but the fire continued to burn for nearly a week before it could be completely extinguished. The fish factory sustained significant damage and had developed a list to starboard. Booms were placed around the vessel to contain any pollution released. No reports of injuries.