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Tag: New Zealand

Dong Won 701

Dong Won 701

Dong Won 701
Photo: stuff.co.nz

The 81 meter long fishing vessel Dong Won 701 caught fire while docked in the port of Timaru, New Zealand. Witnesses state a large bang was heard just before the fire started. Authorities dispatched multiple fire crews and fire boats to the scene. The crew of the Dong Won 701 escaped the blaze before dense smoke engulfed much of the fore section.  Three crew were taken to hospital for smoke inhalation.

Dong Won 701
Photo: stuff.co.nz

Fire crew continued to battle the blaze overnight until it was contained. Both fire tugs and fire trucks continued to spray water to cool the fishing vessel’s hull. There was some concern how much water is being used to avoid sinking the Dong Won 701. Additional fire fighting crews were being dispatched from surrounding towns to aid in the efforts.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. The Dong Won 701 had been scheduled to leave on April 10th.

Awanuia

Awanuia

Awanuia
Photo: stuff.co.nz

The 80 meter long, 4014 dwt tanker Awanuia allided with a quay at Auckland, New Zealand. The Awanuia was attempting to berth when the vessel suffered a power blackout. The Awanuia’s bow struck the quay with some force. The tanker sustained a breach above the waterline while the quay only suffered minor damage. No reports of injuries or pollution released.

Kutere

Kutere

Kutere
Photo: stuff.co.nz

On May 29, the 16 meter, 29 tonne fishing vessel Kutere ran aground on Cobden Beach, New Zealand. The Kutere was headed for Greymouth in bad weather. The fishing vessel had been out for 7 days and decided to return to port as 30 knot winds and 3 meter swells.  As the vessel approached Greymouth, the captain fell asleep at the helm.  He had been asleep only 15 minutes, but that was enough time for the vessel to be blown off course.  The Kutere had run aground 500 meters short to the entrance of the Grey River and ended up stranded just a few meters off the beach.

The three persons on board were able to send out a distress call before abandoning ship into the vessel’s life raft. All three were able to reach shore safely. No reports of injuries.  Maritime New Zealand were alerted and has launched an investigation into the incident.

Reports state the fishing vessel will not be salvaged as it was not economic to refloat it.  Work began to remove the Kutere off the beach the following the incident. Some 2000 litres of fuel and 5 tons of fish were unloaded off the fishing vessel. The mast was removed along with all the fishing gear. The vessel will then be hauled to the top of the sand dune where it will be further dismantled.