Fishing vessel - Shipwreck Log

On October 22, the 70 meter long, 2772 gt fishing vessel Merike (IMO: 9227534) ran aground near Solstrand, Norway. The crew alerted authorities which dispatched the 35 meter long, 475 gt tug Borg Parat (IMO: 9067269) to the scene. The tug was quickly able to free the trawler within 20 minutes. The vessels proceeded to a quay at Solstrand where it will be inspected for damage. No reports of injuries or pollution released. The cause of the grounding was not reported.

Reports state the Merike was able to leave port and continued on its voyage into the Barents Sea. The Merike was built in 2002 and currently sailing under the Estonia flag.

Armana

October 17, 2024 Paul Hancock

On the night of October 13, the 41 meter long, 389 gt fishing vessel Armana (IMO: 5024611) caught fire on the South Atlantic Ocean 60 nautical miles south of Gansbaai on the Western Cape, South Africa. Unable to contain the blaze and fearing the 62 year old fishing vessel was likely to sink, the 20 crew on board abandoned the fishing trawler into 2 life rafts. The nearby fishing vessel Ludwani was able to safely rescue all 20 crew without incident.

Authorities state the Armana remained afloat until the following day when it finally sank. The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) has launched an investigation into the incident. The source of the fire was not reported.

Havfjord

October 11, 2024 Paul Hancock

On the evening of September 27, the 36 meter long, 499 gt fishing vessel Havfjord (IMO: 9897860) caught fire in the North Sea near Bergen, Norway. Authorities received a distress call that the vessel was ablaze and in danger. The vessel reported the five person crew on board were unable to extinguish the blaze and were abandoning ship into the vessel’s life raft. Helicopters from the nearby oil platforms along with patrol vessels launched a search and rescue for the crew. Within an hour, a helicopter found the five crew and was able to lift them to safety. Two crew had sustained smoke inhalation and was taken to hospital for treatment.

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Multiple vessels found the burning Havfjord still afloat. Attempts to extinguish the blaze were unsuccessful as the fire consumed the superstructure. Reports state the fire was finally extinguished but flared up again the next day. The owner of the Havfjord states the vessel is a total loss. The Havfjord was built in 2022 at Karstensen Shipyard.