On the morning of January 28, the 150.5 meter long, 5970 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry Firuze G (IMO: 7811329) caught fire on the Black Sea while berthed at Samsun, Turkey. The fire started in the vessel’s engine room when a generator failed. The fire quickly spread spewing out dense smoke. The local fire brigade arrived on scene and was able to contain the blaze after 2.5 hours of intense work. Fire fighting vessels assisted by cooling down the hull with water spray.
All 33 crew on board the Firuze G were able to evacuate safely ashore and there were no reports of injuries. The extent of damage caused by the fire was not disclosed. There were no reports if the incident would be investigated by authorities.
On the morning of January 25, the 30 meter long passenger ferry Övelgönne (MMSI: 211151080) was in collision in poor visibility with a barge being pushed by the self-propelled container-barge Hanse (MMSI: 211760410) on the Elbe River at Hamburg, Germany. The Övelgönne was headed to the Dockland pier with 25 passengers from Finkenwerder when it approached the Hanse which had departed from Braunschweig with a convoy of barges. As the vessels approached the Dockland pier in dense fog, the Övelgönne was struck on the starboard hull by a lead barge. The ferry’s hull was partially crushed above the waterline with multiple windows smashed. Passengers were struck by flying debris and sprayed by water resulting in multiple injuries. One passenger was knock unconscious and was reported as in critical condition with a brain injury. Ten others on board were slightly injured with many suffering from hypothermia. The Övelgönne was able to berth where it was met by local authorities and emergency personnel. All the injured passengers were taken to hospital for treatment.
The Hanse was able to continue and proceeded to Waltershof where it berthed and met by local authorities. The water police launched an investigation into incident. Both the captains of the Övelgönne and Hanse were given a breathalyzer test which were negative. Authorities have reported that dense fog may have been a major factor in the collision. Initial investigation stated the Övelgönne was equipped with radar and it was manned with an experienced master. The investigation most likely will focus on why the radar wasn’t being monitored when visibility was limited at the time of the incident.
On December 20, the 163 meter long, 4286 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry Isle of Innisfree (IMO: 8908466) allided with the quay in the port of Fishguard, Wales. The Isle of Innisfree was attempting to dock when it suffered difficulties and struck the quay and tearing a hole in the port side of the stern. The hole is above the waterline and no reports of water ingress. There were no reports of injuries.
The ferry would undergo emergency repairs before it could proceed on its return voyage to Dublin. Authorities are investigating the incident.
