The 88 meter long, 3961 dwt cement carrier Malta Cement went aground near Stockholm, Sweden. The Malta Cement was en route to Vasteras from Rostock with a cargo of cement when it ran aground on Kalvholmen Island. A survey found the vessel suffered no damage. The Malta Cement was refloated on the following hide tide with the assistance of a tug. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
The 197 meter long, 58758 dwt bulk carrier Bulk Costa Rica and the 180 meter long, 33200 dwt cargo vessel Atlantic Tramp collided off the coast of IJmuiden, Netherlands. The Atlantic Tramp’s bow struck into the mid section of the Bulk Costa Rica. The Bulk Costa Rica sustained a large dent amidships and damage on deck,but was in no danger of sinking. The Atlantic Tramp’s bow sustained a breach about 9 meters long, but was 2 meters above the waterline. Both vessels also had damage to their bridges. No reports of injuries or pollution released. The KNRM lifeboat Koss van Messel arrived on scene,but found both vessels in no danger and after doing a visual inspection returned to her station. The cause of the collision is under investigation. Initial reports state conditions were good with visibility reaching at least 3 miles and swells only 1.5 meters. The Atlantic Tramp was en route to St. Petersburg, Russia.
On April 15, the 228 meter long, 79677 dwt bulk carrier Ornak was driven hard aground off Virginia Beach, Virginia. The Ornak had been at anchor in Chesapeake Bay when wind increased and changed direction. The Ornak’s anchor began to drag. The crew attempted to restart the engines and turn the vessel, but the bulk carrier was drifting closer to shore. A second anchor was dropped, but it didn’t hold. The Ornak went hard aground a few hundred yards off shore. No reports of injuries to the 22 crew on board, damage or pollution released. The Ornak was released by the aid of tugs on the following rising tide. Divers inspected the hull and was allowed to proceed to the Portsmouth terminal to load its cargo of grain.
