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Tag: Passenger Ship

Nordstjernen

Nordstjernen

Nordstjernen
Photo: bluewin.ch

On the evening of August 19, the 80 meter long passenger ship Nordstjernen (IMO: 5255777) ran aground on the Warnow River at Warnemünde, Germany.  The Nordstjernen had been reversing out of its berth in Warnemünde when it suffered a mechanical malfunction. The passenger ship’s engine failed to respond to move forward and crashed into the embankment on the opposite side of the river and went aground. The crew was able to resolve the malfunction and proceeded under its own power back to is berth Warnemünde.

Nordstjernen
Photo: ostsee-zeitung.de

Authorities detained the Nordstjernen from further sailings and launched an investigation into the incident.  The tug Fairplay 55 (IMO: 9021124) took the Nordstjernen under tow to Rostock where it was inspected for damage and a technical safety survey before the vessel can continue on its voyage.  Initial reports state the malfunction was caused by the pneumatic control of the controllable-pitch propeller. No reports of injuries to 31 passengers on board  or pollution released.

Falkefjell

Falkefjell

Falkefjell
Photo: nettavisen.no

On the afternoon of August 19, the 24 meter long, 150 gt  high-speed catamaran passenger ship Falkefjell (IMO: 9605346)  became disabled on Vargsundet north of Lille Lerresfjord, Norway. The Falkefjell was underway from Hammerfest to Alta with 10 passengers when the vessel struck a whale. Passengers reported they felt a thud before spotting the whale thrashing in the water. Witnesses stated seeing large amounts of blood in the water before the whale perished and sank below the surface.  There were no injuries on the Falkefjell, but the impact had damaged the passenger ship as the vessel had lost engine power and went adrift.

See video at dagbladet.no

Reports stated a service boat from a nearby fish farm, the 193 gt passenger ship Hornøy (IMO: 9768980) and the 13 meter long NSSR lifeboat Utvær (MMSI: 257959900) were to the aid of the disabled Falkefjell. The 10 passengers were transferred off to the Hornøy and proceeded to Hammerfest. The Utvær took the Falkefjell under tow and proceeded to Hammerfest. No details of the extent of damage caused by the incident, but no water ingress was reported.

Discovery Ashore

Discovery Ashore

Discovery
Photo: hawaiinewsnow.com

On the morning of August 9, the 75 foot long passenger ship Discovery (MMSI: 367379890) ran aground near the Kewalo Basin in Honolulu, Hawaii.  The reason why the passenger ship went ashore is under investigation. Witnesses stated the Discovery had been struck by two large swells by the stern of the vessel causing the vessel to lose propulsion. The passenger ship nearly capsized in the surf before it grounded just off the seawall. There were no injuries to the 2 crew members on board at the time of the incident.

The United States Coast Guard launched its 45 foot response boat to the scene, but the Discovery could not be reached due to the extreme shallow water along with the waves reaching 10 to 12 feet breaking along the shoreline. Not until later that night were authorities able to reach the Discovery and begin salvage operations. The vessel’s 8 marine batteries along with 2,275 gallons of diesel fuel and 36 gallons of hydraulic oil was removed. Initial attempts to pull the Discovery free using the tugboat Miki’oi failed. Reports state another attempt to refloat the vessel would be done when conditions were favorable.

Reports state the Discovery has sustained some damage to its hull and will require repairs before it could be put back into service. The incident is under investigation.