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Tag: Pollution

Hai 4

Hai 4

Hai 4
Photo: nwzonline.de

On the afternoon of November 21, the 24 meter long fishing vessel Hai 4 (MMSI: 211228840) sank in the Ems-Jade Canal near the Wiesbadenbrücke in Wilhelmshaven, Germany. Reports state nearby residents heard a loud bang as the mooring lines of the Hai 4 broke as the vessel sunk to the bottom of canal. The local fire brigade deployed booms around the Hai 4 to contain oil and fuel pollution that has leaked out. The pollution is being pumped from the surface to prevent it spreading further.

Hai IV

Authorities state the vessel had been unmanned and moored for sometime before it sank. The Hai 4 had been monitored by authorities and had planned an inspection before the vessel sank. Currently, there is a search to find who is the current owner who will be held liable for the costs from the incident.  The port authority stated a crane will be needed to lift and remove the fishing vessel from the canal.

The Hai 4 was built in 1943 as a fishing trawler.  The vessel had been used to carry passengers up to 2022 when the vessel was sold to its current owners.

Typhoon Kalmaegi

Typhoon Kalmaegi

Typhoon Kalmaegi
Photo: vnexpress.net

On November 6, Typhoon Kalmaegi made landfall in Dak Lak province, Vietnam. The typhoon had sustained winds of 92 miles per hour along with heavy rains and waves reaching up to 25 feet. The result was hundred of vessels, mostly smaller coastal fishing boats, were driven ashore or sunk along the coast. Authorities have not disclosed to the total extent of  injuries, damage and pollution released, but there are some details reported from areas impacted by the storm.

Near Vung Chao, there were at least 200 vessels severely damaged either ashore or sunk. Local fishermen report that many vessels were damaged beyond salvage. Many were recovering fishing nets, engines and other equipment. Those fishing vessels only slightly damaged will be hoisted using cranes from the shoreline with the typical repair cost 20 to 30 million dong (VND).

Typhoon Kalmaegi
Photo: vnexpress.net

In the port of De Gi, there were reports of at least 10 fishing vessels sunk or aground from the storm. Reports state that some vessels were torn away from their anchorage by a large wave and driven up on the rocks.

Typhoon Kalmaegi
Photo: vnexpress.net

In Quang Ngai province, a passenger vessel was driven ashore.  The vessel was severely damaged as it was driven up onto a seawall.

Industrial Merchant

Industrial Merchant

Industrial Merchant
Photo: USCG

On the night of October 28, the 114 meter long, 10049 dwt cargo vessel Industrial Merchant (IMO: 9534470) allided in the Galveston Ship Channel at the port of Galveston, Texas. The Industrial Merchant had struck the pier resulting in hull damage. The extent of damage had not been disclosed, but the cargo vessel fuel tank had been ruptured releasing fuel oil pollution.  The United States Coast Guard responded to the scene. Traffic on the Galveston Ship Channel was halted to prevent further spread of pollution and provide some safety to allow responders to conduct cleanup efforts. The Coast Guard laid out booms to contain the fuel oil spill.  No further details on clean up efforts were disclosed.

Several nearby cruise ships had to delay departures for several days until the Coast Guard completed cleanup.  Authorities stated the source of the oil spill had been secured and the exact amount of fuel oil released is under investigation. No reports of injuries.