The 20 meter long, 60 dwt fishing vessel Ghandhi sank off Lisbon, Portugal. The crew contacted MRCC Spain stating the vessel had suffered water ingress in the engine room. The crew was unable to stop the flooding and need evacuation. A helicopter was dispatched from Portugal and were able to hoist the 9 crew off the Ghandi safely. No reports of injuries.
The 80 meter long, 2412 dwt freighter Merle went aground during a storm near Aveiro, Portugal. The Merle was en route to Huelva, Spain when it encountered heavy seas and high winds. During the storm, the Merle’s engine room became flooded causing the vessel to lose power. The disabled freighter drifted ashore until it was nearly high and dry. No reports of injuries to the six crew on board. The crew safely reached shore with the aid of local lifeboats. No reports of damage or pollution released. Authorities are monitoring the Merle until weather conditions favor a salvage attempt. Reports state if the vessel can not be salvaged, it will be dismantled on site.
The 367 meter long, 115700 dwt container ship Gerd Maersk became disabled after an engine failure on the Atlantic Ocean off Porto, Portugal. A tug was dispatched to take the vessel under tow, but the crew was able to restore partial power. The tug was escorting the Gerd Maersk as it proceeds under its own power. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released. The Gerd Maersk was en route to Bremerhaven from Port Said.
