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Tag: France

Ablette

Ablette

Ablette

On the morning of May 13, the 25 meter long fishing vessel Ablette (MMSI: 227309000) caught fire in the Bay of Biscay 120 miles west of Gironde, France. The Ablette had suffered water ingress which resulted in causing a fire on board the vessel.  The vessel requested assistance with authorities dispatching multiple aircraft to the area. Authorities requested nearby vessels to assist. The 122.5 meter long, 10546 dwt cargo vessel FWN Sun (IMO: 9721669) was headed to Gibraltar from La Rochelle and rescued the 2 crew of the Ablette.  The crew were later airlifted to a SAR helicopter which transported to shore. The crew were taken to hospital and treated for injuries.  No further details reported.

FWN Sun

 

Bijou Du Rhône

Bijou Du Rhône

Bijou Du Rhône

On the early morning of May 10, the 114 meter long self-propelled passenger ship Bijou Du Rhône (MMSI: 249358000) collided with a barge (name not disclosed) on the Rhône River near Sablons, France. The Bijou Du Rhône loaded  with 127 passengers and 39 crew struck the barge resulting in hull damage on the Bijou Du Rhône with a hole above the waterline. The barge sustained significant hull damage.  There were no injuries on either vessel.

Authorities arrived on site and begun transferring passengers to shore where they were later taken by bus to the next destination. The barge was taken under tow by the local fire brigade to the industrial port of Salaise-sur-Sanne. The Bijou Du Rhône remained in Sablons while in was inspected. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

Billabong

Billabong

Billabong
Photo: premar-atlantique.gouv.fr

On March 24, the 16 meter long fishing vessel Billabong (MMSI: 228380000)  suffered water ingress in the Bay of Biscay off Lann Bihoué, France.  Reports state the fishing vessel requested assistance after discovering uncontrolled water ingress. The SNSM dispatched the rescue vessel SNS 084 assisted by a helicopter from the Marine Nationale. The two crew from the Billabong were winched to safety.  The crew was later taken to Lann Bihoué for evaluation. No reports of injuries.

The fate of the Billabong was not reported. Until authorities provide further information, it is possible the vessel sank or authorities were able to place dewatering pumps on board and towed the vessel back to port.