The 35 meter long fishing vessel Calypso Z84 caught fire while fishing in the Bay of Biscay near La Rochelle, France. The fire started in an electrical panel in the engine room. The crew responded quickly and extinguished the blaze, but the fire damaged the trawler’s generator. The crew made some temporary repairs to restore power and allow the vessel to pull in its nets. No reports of injuries to the 5 crew on board. Authorities dispatched a team to the trawler who evaluated the Calypso Z84 condition. After the inspection, the trawler was found to be seaworthy enough to proceed on to its journey back to Belgium.
On March 20, the 39 meter long fishing vessel Deborah collided with the 82 meter long, 2289 dwt cargo vessel Britannica Hav in the English Channel near Cherbourg, France. The Britannica Hav was en route to Keadby from Santander with a cargo of steel when it was struck amidships by the Deborah. The Britannica Hav sustained severe hull damage and the cargo holds quickly filled with water. Her seven crew were able to escape into the cargo vessel’s two life rafts before the Britannica Hav capsized.
The Deborah was able to rescue the seven crewmen from the life rafts. Authorities dispatched a helicopter from Jobourg to assist. The helicopter was able to hoist all seven crew from the Britannica Hav off the trawler. One crewman from the Britannica Hav suffered slight injuries and was taken to hospital.
The Deborah sustained bow damage during the collision, but was able to stay afloat. The master of the Deborah also sustained injuries, but decided to stay on board the vessel until it could return back to port in Zeebrugge. There he was later taken to hospital for treatment.
Authorities dispatched patrol boats to the scene to monitor the overturned Britannica Hav. Pollution from the fuel tanks was spotted around the wreck. Debris including several hatch covers were being tracked as being a danger to navigation.
Photo: francebleu.fr
Photo: lemarin.fr
Photo: lemarin.fr
Photo: lemarin.fr
Photo: lemarin.fr
Photo: francebleu.fr
Photo: nieuwsblad.be
Reports state the authorities dispatched the tug Abeille Liberté to the scene to take the overturned Britannica Hav under tow. After connecting a towline, they proceeded for Le Havre at a slow speed so that the Britannica Hav would not sink. Another tug was dispatched and recovered the hatch covers.
The 19 meter long fishing vessel Petit Roger Christian caught fire off Sète, France. The three crew on the trawler escaped into a liferaft to avoid the flames. A SNSM lifeboat along with two nearby trawlers responded to the scene. All three crew were later rescued. No reports of injuries. Reports state authorities dispatched a team of firefighters to attempt to extinguish the blaze.
Reports state the SNSM lifeboat later took the firefighters to the burning trawler, but found the vessel had already burnt beyond saving. The lifeboat stood by as the Petit Roger Christian burned to the waterline and sank. The hull rests in 85 meters of water some 14 miles offshore.
