On October 1, the 100 meter long tanker Aksaz C became disabled in the Atlantic Ocean off Brest, France. The Aksaz C was en route to Pembroke from Las Palmas with 3,000 tons of vegetable oil when it had suffered engine failure. The tanker went adrift and requested assistance. A tug arrived later the same day and towed the Aksaz C to Brest. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
The 180 meter long, 7509 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry Pride of Canterbury caught fire off Calais, France. The Pride of Canterbury departed on a regular scheduled crossing of the English Channel with 337 passengers and 119 crew from Dover, England. A fire broke out in the engine room releasing a dense black flume of toxic smoke. Passengers had difficulty breathing as ash fell on the deck. The sprinkler system was able to extinguish the blaze some 20 minutes later. No reports of injuries to passengers or crew. The Pride of Canterbury was pulled from service to be inspected for damage. Reports state the fire started in the vessel’s starboard engine.
On August 22, 2014, the 12 meter long fishing vessel Elluma collided with the 119 meter long, 8400 dwt cargo vessel Arklow Beach off Penmarch, France. The Arklow Beach suffered only minimal damage and continued on to Dunkirk. The Elluma sustained significant damage to its bow. The captain of the Elluma also sustained injuries requiring a medical evacuation. The Guilvinec SNSM lifeboat escorted the Elluma to Guilvinec where the vessel was later lifted out of the water. No details reported to the cause of the collision. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
