On October 28, the 24 meter long charter vessel Svanen West (MMSI: 265566860) sank on the Göta älv river at the quay in Gothenburg, Sweden. The vessel had sunk at its berth leaving only its masts and part of the wheelhouse above the water.
Authorities were alerted and dispatched a response team to the scene. Oil and diesel fuel was leaking from the vessel and authorities placed booms around the vessel to contain the pollution. No one was onboard the Svanen West at the time of the sinking. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
On October 13, the workboat Duplo sunk in Sortlandssundet south of Bremnes, Norway. Reports state the workboat had started taking on water and the one person on board requested assistance. A nearby fishing boat was able to safely rescue the sole crew person before the Duplo capsized and sank. No reports of injuries.
Photo: blv.no
Authorities dispatched the coast guard vessel Heimdal to the scene, but it arrived after the Duplo had sunk. Additional vessels arrived to remove wreckage floating on the surface. Reports state there was a light sheen of oil visible on the water where the vessel sank.
The direct cause of the sinking was not disclosed. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
On the early morning of October 1, the 229 meter long, 79,471 bulk carrier Blue Lagoon (IMO: 9481427) ran aground off Orchid Island, Taiwan. The Blue Lagoon departed from Caofedian, China with 67,500 tons of iron ore bound for Singapore when the bulk carrier stranded in rough seas caused by Typhoon Krathon. The vessel ran up on the rocks sustaining hull damage and water ingress. The engine room quickly flooded as the pumps were unable to contain the water ingress. A distress call was sent out and authorities dispatched helicopters from the National Airborne Service Corps to the scene. The helicopters were able to lift all 19 crew off the Blue Lagoon safely to shore where they were examined by medical personnel. No reports of injuries.
Authorities state that oil had been found in the water near the Blue Lagoon. Reports suspect the vessel’s fuel tanks had ruptured allowing some of the 227 tons of fuel oil on board to spill out into the sea. The local environmental bureau has been requested to contain the oil slick and conduct clean up operations.
