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Tag: Pollution

Kepejora

Kepejora

Kepejora
Photo: flows.be

On the afternoon of July 25, the 85 meter long self-propelled barge Kepejora (MMSI: 244668436) sank on the Sambre River near the Auvelais lock at Sambreville, Belgium. The Kepejora was scheduled for a voyage to Ghent from Châtelet when it sustained hull damage while loading a cargo of 1400 tons of scrap metal. The crew had not discovered the damage until the Kepejora was found taking on water.

Kepejora
Photo: lavenir.net

The vessel’s pumps could not stop the flooding and the crew requested assistance. The local fire brigade responded to scene with dewatering pumps. Unfortunately, the Kepejora‘s hull had been holed and the cargo of scrap metal needed to be lightered.  Due to the limited space at the quay, there was no way to unload the cargo before the vessel sank a few hours later.

Authorities have placed pollution barriers around the Kepejora to contain any oil pollution released. Divers were requested to make temporary repairs so that the vessel could be dewatered.

Hein

Hein

Hein
Photo: tixio.de

On the afternoon of July 25, the 107 meter long, 2205 dwt suction dredger Hein (IMO: 7911856) allided on the Weser River at the port of Brake, Germany. Accordingly to the Water Police, the Hein had veered from its course and struck a quay in the port before coming to rest at the edge of the riverbank. The dredger sustained significant bow damage with the hull holed in multiple places, but no reports of injuries from the incident. During the incident, the dredger had struck on the cranes on the quay causing it to topple over onto the vessel. Reports state the crane was smashed onto the deck and tore several hydraulic lines. Authorities confirmed that some hydraulic oil entered the Weser, but the amount was minimal and would evaporate quickly.

The  incident is under investigation.  There was no initial reports to why the Hein changed course.  A salvage company has been contacted to plan how the dredger will be recovered.

Barges Aground Off Batangas

Barges Aground Off Batangas

Barges off Batangas
Photo: Philippine Coast Guard

On July 19, the barges Amazon River, EE Margarette and Yangtze River went aground in Balayan Bay along the shoreline near Calaca City, Batangas, Philippines.  The barges Amazon River, loaded with 1567 mt of molasses, and Yangtze River, loaded with 1462 mt of molasses, were under tow by the tug Robina I bound for Balayan. Nearby, the barge EE Margarette, loaded with 1772 mt of molasses, was being towed by the tug Robina II was also bound for Balayan. The vessels had to divert due to rough seas from Tropical Storm Crising and shelter in the bay. The winds from the tropical storm was strong enough to snap the mooring lines to the barges resulting in all three barges washing ashore. The barge Amazon River and EE Margarette collided during the incident resulting in hull damage to the EE Margarette.

The Philippine Coast Guard  stated that all 21 crew onboard the vessels were safe. Authorities stated that some of the molasses cargo from the EE Margarette was released into sea. The coast guard stated the cargo was considered non-hazardous and would dissipate in the sea. Local officials stated salvage and the removal of the barges will be done as soon as conditions improved.