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Tag: Passenger Ship

Harbour Princess

Harbour Princess

Harbour Princess
Photo: globalnews.ca

On the morning of August 3, the 26 meter long passenger ship Harbour Princess (MMSI: 316022498) ran aground in the Burrand Inlet off Point Atkinson, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The Harbour Princess was on a morning excursion with 58 passengers when it struck a rock in Starboat Cove. Passengers reported the vessel made a loud thud and abruptly stopped. The jolt knocked some off their feet.  The passenger ship sent out a distress call with multiple agencies responding led by the Canadian Coast Guard. The Harbour Princess did not suffer any water ingress, but the passenger ship was escorted back to its berth in Coal Harbour where it safely unloaded its passengers. Reports state 2 passengers were injured during the incident. One was taken to hospital for treatment.

According to news reports, the Harbour Princess struck the rock close to high tide.  Authorities have not stated if this obstruction was clearly mapped on the charts or not. Authorities have not yet stated if there will be an investigation into the incident.

MF Axel

MF Axel

MF Axel
Photo: bonniernews.se

On the afternoon of July 19, the 18 meter long, 29 gt passenger ship MF Axel (MMSI: 265632000) ran aground in the Baltic Sea in the Karlskrona archipelago off Ramsö, Sweden. The MF Axel was proceeding with 87 passengers when it grounded in shallow water in the narrow Sjuhallasundet Strait. The passenger ship remained firmly aground on the sandy bottom just 100 meters from the shore and was unable to free itself. The Swedish Coast Guard and Swedish Sea Rescue Society (SSRS) was called out to assist and arrived a short time later. Rescuers began an evacuation of all the passengers off the MF Axel. During the evacuation, the MF Axel was lightened enough it floated free. However, not until all passengers were transferred off the passenger ship, the MF Axel was allowed to proceed under its own power back to Karlskrona. There were no reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.

Authorities launched an investigation into the incident. The Coast Guard questioned the crew and checks for alcohol were negative. An initial report stated the incident was at no fault of the vessel or the crew. The iron hulled MF Axel was built in 1934 and operates between Fisktorget in Karlskrona and Nättraby.

 

Wonder Sea

Wonder Sea

Wonder Sea
Photo: vnexpress.net

On the afternoon of July 19, the passenger ship Wonder Sea capsized in Halong Bay near Dau Go Cave, Vietnam. The Wonder Sea was out on an excursion voyage with 53 persons on board, 48 passengers and 5 crew, when it was caught out in a storm.  Reports state the Wonder Sea lost stability in strong winds and capsized.

Wonder Sea
Photo: x.com

Vietnamese authorities were alerted with vessels from the navy, border patrol, local police and port authorities responding. Over 25 vessels were engaged in a search and rescue operation looking for survivors. Initial reports state some 11 people had been rescued from the water. Unfortunately some 34 bodies have also been recovered from the sea.

The search for the missing persons had some difficulty in the darkness and heavy rains still persist in the area. Divers continue to search the overturned Wonder Sea. The incident is under investigation.