On December 20, the 194 meter long, 18602 dwt bulk carrier Ojibway ran aground on the St. Lawrence River near Lisbon, New York. The bulk carrier had run aground just above the Iroquois Lock near Sparrowhawk Point. All traffic near the scene was halted until the vessel could be freed later the same day. No reports of injuries or pollution released. The Ojibway was built by Defoe Shipbuilding in Bay City, Michigan in 1952.
The 274 meter long, 149,996 dwt oil tanker Tokyo Spirit ran aground in Cascais Bay off Lisbon, Portugal. The Tokyo Spirit had arrived in ballast to Cascais for repairs. While awaiting permission to enter the port, the tanker dropped anchor offshore. While at anchor, weather conditions worsen with heavy seas and winds reaching 50 knots causing the tanker to drag her anchors. The Tokyo Spirit was blown aground just outside the breakwater. The 22 crew on board decided to stay on board until the tanker could be refloated.
Assisted by seven tugs, the tanker was later refloated the following day. The Tokyo Spirit was pulled free and towed to Port of Setúbal. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
Photos by: gCaptain.com
Quick action saved the 5485 dwt freighter Rusich 1 off the shores of Lisbon, Portugal. The Rusich 1 had been at anchor when heavy seas from the North Atlantic storm Hercules caused the anchor to drag. The crew were able to start the engines just before the vessel was blown ashore. The Rusich 1 proceeded further out to sea. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution release.
