On the evening of January 5, local authorities in Hull, England reported a barge (name not disclosed) struck a bridge on the River Hull. The barge was had been unmoored and drifted until became stuck under the bridge. The vessel remained wedged under the bridge until the water level lowered on the ebbing tide.
Photo: bbc.com
Local police, fire and emergency services were on site diverting traffic until the barge could be pulled free. Authorities suspect that the barge was intentionally let go from the mooring.
On the morning of June 27, the 120 meter long, 8184 dwt bulk carrier Altay (IMO: 9349992) caught fire in the North Sea while berthed at Kingston-upon-Hull, England. The fire started in the cargo hold that was loaded with 3500 tons of scrap metal. Large gray plumes of smoke enveloped the bulk carrier which forced an evacuation of the crew. The local fire brigade was called out with five fire engines involved in extinguishing the blaze. Nearby residents were advised to keep their windows and doors closed as smoke spread through out the city. No reports of injuries.
Fire fighters stated it would take some time to completely extinguish the blaze. Witnesses reported there were still thick smoke with a smell of burning rubber in the area 5 hours after the blaze had started. Authorities have stated getting access to the area in the hold where the fire was not feasible. Thus, the fire brigade is unloading the burning scrap onto the quay where it would be extinguished. This operation went all day into early the next morning until the fire was finally extinguished. Crews remain on site just in case the fire would reignite again.
Photo: independent.co.uk
Photo: bbc.co.uk
Photo: bbc.co.uk
Photo: bbc.co.uk
Photo: bbc.co.uk
Photo: bbc.co.uk
Photo: itv.com
Photo: express.co.uk
There has been no reports of the extent of damage to the Altay or to the cargo of scrap. UK authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
On the morning of March 10, the 140 meter long, 9322 dwt container ship Solong (IMO: 9322554) allided with the 183 meter long, 49729 dwt tanker Stena Immaculate (IMO: 9693018) in the North Sea some 10 nautical miles off the Humber estuary near Hull, Lincolnshire, England. The Solong was en route to Rotterdam from Grangemouth, Scotland when it struck the port hull amidships of the Stena Immaculate which was at anchor. Both vessels sustained major damage with the tanker having its tanks ruptured and releasing jet fuel into the sea. After the allision, reports state there were several explosions and fire engulfed the tanker. Observers stated that fuel spilt into the sea has caught fire as well. The crews from both vessels have evacuated and there were conflicting reports of casualties and crew men injured. Latest report states all crew were rescued from both vessels with one crew member injured (subject to be updated later).
UK Authorities dispatched multiple fire fighting vessels aided by the RNLI who launched four lifeboats to the scene. The HM Coastguard
The Stena Immaculate was loaded with jet fuel bound for one of the United States Army military bases located in the United Kingdom. UK Authorities have not released the cause of the allision at this time. Some news accounts suggest the Solong was on autopilot at the time and the vessel never changed course before it struck the tanker. There is speculation that the container ship failed to maintain a proper watch as weather was not a factor in the allision. UK authorities continue to investigate as the situation is ongoing.
