On May 4, the 43 meter long ro-ro ferry Jean Ribault (MMSI: 367475030) allided on the St. Johns River with the ramp at Mayport, Florida. The ferry was attempting to depart from Mayport when it struck the boarding ramp. There were no reports of injuries, but the Jean Ribault was taken out of service after the incident. Reports state the ferry and ramp were being inspected and will undergo repairs as needed. Authorities have launched an investigation into incident.
On April 13, the 50 foot fishing vessel Miss Montie ran aground on the Atlantic Ocean near Beverly Beach, Florida. The shrimp boat had suffered engine failure and was unable to proceed under its owner power. A nearby fishing vessel attempted to take the Miss Montie under tow, but the vessel was underpowered and had to drop the tow.
The Miss Montie requested assistance from the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard dispatched a rescue boat to assist. The Coast Guard arrived on site and safely transferred the 2 crew and the vessel’s dog off the Miss Montie. The Coast Guard refused to take the fishing vessel under tow citing that conditions were too dangerous to take the shrimp boat under tow.
The Miss Montie was left to drift unmanned for several hours until it washed ashore. Reports state the master of the Miss Montie has hired a fishing vessel to pull the shrimp boat free. The Coast Guard was monitoring the area for any signs of pollution released. Reports state the Miss Montie will require repairs to its propeller.
On the morning of February 16, the 86 meter long self-propelled tanker-barge Florida (IMO: 9646534) became disabled on Beneden-Merwede near Dordrecht, Netherlands. A fire was reported when smoke could be seen from the vessel’s engine room. The local fire brigade was alerted and deployed a fire boat assisted by the KNRM and the Rijkswaterstaat. After inspecting the Florida, fire fighters found there was no flames and the smoke had been caused by the main engine breaking down.
The Florida was travelling without cargo. No reports of injuries. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.