Iceland - Shipwreck Log

Green Freezer

September 20, 2014 Paul Hancock

On September 17, the 109 meter long cargo ship Green Freezer ran aground off Fáskrúðsfjörður, Iceland. The Green Freezer had struck onto a skerry. No reports of injuries. The tanker Laugafell was dispatched to the scene. Some 140 tons of fuel oil was pumped off the vessel to help lighten the Green Freezer and reduce the risk of pollution released. The Icelandic Coast Guard vessel Thor pulled the Green Freezer free on September 20. The oil was then pumped back to the Green Freezer from the Laugafell. Both vessels proceeded to Fáskrúðsfjörður. No reports of pollution released.

Another Ship Runs Aground, Akrafell’s Future Uncertain (icelandreview.com)
Samskip Akrafell (shipwrecklog.com)

Samskip Akrafell

September 6, 2014 Paul Hancock

The 100 meter long, 5565 dwt cargo ship Samskip Akrafell ran aground onto a small rocky reef between Reyðarfjörður and Fáskrúðsfjörður, Iceland. The Akrafell sustained hull damage resulting in water ingress. The 12 crew on board immediately attempted to contain the ingress, but the flooding could not be controlled with the vessel’s pumps. Authorities dispatched rescue vessels to the scene delivering more pumps to the Akrafell. No reports of injuries or pollution released. Divers will conduct an inspection of the hull before the vessel is pulled free and refloated on the following high tide.

Fernanda

November 2, 2013 Paul Hancock

On October 30, the 75 meter long, 1811 dwt ro-ro freighter Fernanda caught fire while off Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland. The crew alerted the authorities that the fire had started in the vessel’s engine room and they required assistance. Authorities dispatched helicopters and the Coast Guard vessel Thor to the scene. All eleven crew on board the Fernanda were airlifted to safety while the Thor attempted to extinguish the fire. The Thor took the Fernanda under tow to Hafnarfjörður harbor. There over 30 fire fighters attempted to extinguish the blaze. However, the fire continued to release dense smoke from the superstructure. Due to intense heat and stability issues, fire fighters were unable to pump some 100 tons of fuel oil from the vessel.

The Coast Guard reassessed the situation while the vessel was in port. If the Fernanda would sink, it could pollute local fishing and spawning grounds. Thus, they decided to have the Fernanda towed out of port and taken to an area west of Faxaflóa. There it would be safe to continue to continue fire fighting or leave the vessel to burn.