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Tag: Passenger Vessel

Viking Vela

Viking Vela

Viking Vela
Photo: rbnett.no

On January 13, the 240 meter long, 47800 gt passenger ship Viking Vela (IMO: 9852432) sustained damage on the North Sea. The Viking Vela was headed to Narvik, Norway from Ijmuiden, Holland when it encountered weather worse than forecasted. The vessel was rocked by severe weather with waves reaching 35 feet and winds over 100 miles-per-hours.  Reports state many of the passengers had sustained minor injuries caused by the heavy swells. Passengers stated that furniture was tossed about with beds, tables and luggage strewn on the floor.

The vessel also sustained some damage. The crew alerted Norwegian authorities that it had issues with its propulsion.  One of the thrusters reported a wear alarm which required attention and the vessel diverted to the safety of Ålesund. Escorted by two tugs, the Viking Vela was able to reach port safely.  No further details of the extent of damage to the thruster was reported.

Reports state the vessel extended its stay at Ålesund for several more days.  As of January 16, the vessel remained in port stating it was too rough to continue.  Passengers have received a partial refund as it has cancelled part of the voyage.

Adolf Jensen

Adolf Jensen

Adolf Jensen

On September 18, the 30 meter long, 70 dwt passenger vessel Adolf Jensen (IMO: 6708575)  ran aground at the mouth of the Tasermiut Fjord near Nanortalik, Greenland. The Adolf Jensen was enroute to Qaqortoq when it struck a reef. The vessel sustained hull damage and water ingress. A distress call was sent out with the Nanortalik fire brigade responding. Using the 27 meter long landing craft, Atitooq (MMSI: 331000149), the fire brigade transfer dewatering pump and pollution containment gear.  Unfortunately, the pumps could not contain the flooding and the vessel sank after five hours later. All crew on the Adolf Jensen were safely evacuated to shore with no reports of injuries.

Atitooq

Authorities deployed floating booms to contain the oil pollution released. Unfortunately, the tides, current and wind made it impossible to contain the oil slick. Authorities don’t have an estimate on how much pollution was released from the Adolf Jensen. The oil slick suggests a fuel tank had ruptured or valves were not sealed before the vessel sank. Reports state the Adolf Jensen had some 20,000 litres of diesel along with 1,000 litres of gasoline on board when it sank.

Authorities have dispatched additional personnel to the scene to assist in cleanup efforts.  The vessel owners have not release a statement on the incident.

 

Maui Princess

Maui Princess

Maui Princess
Photo: Hawaii DNLR

On May 16, the 37 meter long passenger vessel Maui Princess (MMSI: 367331770) ran aground off the west coast of Maui near Lahaina, Hawaii. The Maui Princess had broken free from its mooring and went adrift before it went hard aground on a bar some 300 feet offshore. No reports of injuries.

Authorities dispatched a response team to the scene. They found the passenger vessel had not released any pollution, but still posed a high risk. A contractor was hired and begun removal of 2,500 gallons of diesel fuel off the vessel.