On February 28, the fishing vessel Karen Margrethe L423 allided with the Aggersund Bridge near Aalborg, Denmark. The Karen Margrethe had become trapped in an ice floe and pushed into the bridge. The fishing vessel suffered only minor damage including a broken mast. No reports of injuries as all three crew had abandoned the fishing vessel before the allision. Authorities dispatched a helicopter to the scene. Reports state the Karen Margrethe would be recovered the next day.
The 40 meter long fishing vessel Ronja Skye became disabled off Eilean Musdile Lighthouse near Oban, Scotland. The Ronja Skye had a fire break out in the vessel’s engine room. The crew was able to extinguish the blaze, but the fire disabled the main engine. Adrift, the Ronja Skye requested assistance. The RNLI lifeboat from Oban and the ro-ro ferry Isle of Mull responded. The lifeboat arrived on scene and attached a towline to the Ronja Skye. The ferry stood by while the lifeboat towed the Ronja Skye to a nearby anchorage where the fishing vessel could conduct repairs. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
On March 2, the 18 meter long fishing vessel Lusitania Primero sank in the port of Vigo, Spain. The Lusitania Primero had been moored alongside another longliner when it suffered a broken pipe in the stern. The crew on board attempted to get the water ingress under control, but they were not able dewater the vessel. The crew requested assistance with the local fire brigade responding. The firemen tried to dewater the vessel as well, but the rate of water ingress was too much and the fishing vessel partially sank. No reports of injuries.
Authorities placed booms around the vessel to contain any pollution. Divers were requested to help remove any diesel fuel from the vessel’s tanks.
