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Pride of Kent

Pride of Kent

Pride of Kent
Photo: europe1.fr

The 180 meter long, 7550 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry Pride of Kent ran aground at the port of Calais, France. The vessel was loaded with 208 passengers, 111 vehicles and 108 crew when it departed from the port of Calais bound for Dover. Conditions were poor with strong winds having gusts reach over 100 km/hour.  When the ferry maneuvered out of the port, it allided with against a foot bridge due to the strong winds. Undamaged, the Pride of Kent continued on its voyage. A few minutes later strong wind gusts again slammed the ferry.  Before the vessel could even leave the breakwater, the strong winds pushed the Pride of Kent off course and up onto a sandbank along the breakwater.

Authorities were alerted and three tugs were dispatched to the scene. The tugs tried multiple times to refloat the Pride of Kent, but the ferry refused to budge. Eventually after an hour of attempts, the Pride of Kent was pulled freed by the tugs and returned back to its berth. No reports of injuries.  Passengers disembarked and the port was closed until weather conditions improved. No reports of pollution released.

Golden Ice

Golden Ice

Golden Ice
Photo: nordeclair.fr

The 225 meter long, 75750 dwt bulk carrier Golden Ice caught fire while berthed in Dunkirk, France. The bulk carrier had arrived from Canada and begun unloading operations when the fire broke out in the hold. The fire had started from terminal equipment that had been lowered into the hold.  The local fire brigade was contacted and was able to extinguish the blaze from shore while assisted by fire tugs. No reports of injuries and damaged was limited. No reports of injuries.

Baltic Performer

Baltic Performer

Baltic Performer
Photo: ouest-france.fr

The 150 meter long, 10603 dwt reefer Baltic Performer became disabled off Penmarc’h, France. The Baltic Performer was headed for Dakar, Senegal with 6100 tons of vegetables from Vlissingen, Netherlands. While off France, the vessel was hit by strong winds and heavy swells with waves reaching 9 meters in height. In this difficult conditions, the vegetable cargo shifted resulting in the vessel developing of a 15 degree list to port.

Fearing the vessel may capsize or sink, the Baltic Performer requested assistance. Authorities dispatched a tug from Camaret to assist the reefer. Several hours later, the tug reached the Baltic Performer and escorted the reefer to shelter off Brest, France. No reports of injuries or pollution released.