On the morning of July 28, the 19 meter long, 114 gt fishing vessel Virginie (IMO: 8678437) became disabled in the English Channel some 26 nautical miles west of Pointe de la Hague, France. The fishing vessel had run afoul of its nets which got wrapped around its propeller. The Virginie requested assistance with the SNSM lifeboat responding. The lifeboat took the Virginie under tow and proceed to Cherbourg. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
On the early morning of May 20, the 16 meter long fishing vessel L’En-ma (IMO: 8543890) caught fire in the English Channel while berthed at a quay in Port-en-Bessin-Huppain, France. The local fire brigade found the vessel completely engulphed in flames. Some 50 fire fighters were mobilized to tackle the blaze. After 6 hours, the fire was extinguished. Authorities placed booms around the L’En-ma to contain any pollution released.
Fire damage to the L’En-ma was extensive, but the fishing vessel was still reported afloat. There were no reports of injuries from the incident. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
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.
