On the morning of June 20, the 90 meter long, 5350 dwt cargo vessel Stellamar (IMO: 9951836) ran aground in the Gulf of Bothnia off the island of Iso Järviluoto near Rauma, Finland. The Stellamar was arriving from Kunda with a pilot o board when it struck bottom. The cargo vessel sustained minor damage to its freshwater tank, but no oil pollution was spotted. A tug was dispatched a short time later and freed the Stellamar. The vessels proceed into Rauma where it moored. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. No reports of injuries from the incident.
On the early morning of June 1, the 25 meter long tugboat Ron Jeremy (MMSI: 265587130) sank in Bothnian Bay south of Rödkallen Lighthouse near Piteå, Sweden. The tugboat was towing a barge loaded with timber when the tugboat suffered uncontrolled water ingress. The four crew members on board were unable to contain the flooding and were forced to abandon ship. Three of the crew were able to reach the barge and contact authorities. A SRS rescue boat arrived on site and rescued the three crew members. All three suffered from hypothermia and suffered minor injuries. The crew were later taken to hospital for treatment. Authorities launched a search and rescue operation for the missing crew member. Multiple SRS vessels aided by two pilot boats and aircraft from the Swedish Coast Guard and one from Finland searched the area. After several hours of searching the area, authorities were not able to find the missing crew member.
Photo: sjofartstidningen.se
The Swedish Coast Guard reported seeing a small sheen of oil pollution over where the tugboat sank. Reports state the tug sank in 4o meters of water and divers were being sent to help close vents to prevent further fuel being released. The amount of fuel released from the Ron Jeremy has not been disclosed, but authorities have stated it should not have any environmental impact to the nearby shorelines. There are approximately 5,000 litres of diesel fuel still onboard the wreck. The incident is under investigation by the Swedish police.
The 111 meter long, 6090 dwt freigher Cathma became disabled in the Gulf of Bothnia near Holmsund, Sweden. The Cathma had suffered engine failure and requested assistance. A tug took the freighter under tow and proceeded to Holmsund. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution being released. The Cathma was en route to Kaskinen from Kiel.
