Shipwreck Log

On April 21, the 142 meter long, 3500 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry Volcán de Tamasite became disabled and allided with the pier at the port of Luz in Las Palmas, Canary Islands. The Volcán de Tamasite had just departed the port for Santa Cruz with 140 passengers and 33 crew and began a turn to port when it suffered a power blackout. Without power, the crew lost steering and the ferry continued its turn to port. The crew attempted to stop the Volcán de Tamasite by an emergency anchoring, but it was unsuccessful.  The vessel completed its arc and struck bow first into the reinforced concrete wall along the outer edge of the pier.

Thirteen passengers sustained injuries in the allision. Five passengers were taken to hospital for treatment.  The Volcán de Tamasite sustained significant damage to the bulbous bow and the tip of the bow was crushed. The pier sustained major damage. A portion of the concrete wall was crushed and fell onto several parked vehicles on the pier.

Refueling pipelines that ran along the pier were partially destroyed. Some 10 meters of pipe were damaged allowing some 60 tons of diesel fuel to be released into the water. Authorities closed 20 kilometers of beaches as a slick over 15 kilometers long drifted just off the coast. Anti-pollution vessels were deployed in an effort to collect some of the pollution released. Repairs to the pipeline are expected to take 4 months.

The Volcán de Tamasite was able to restore power and was escorted back into port by two tugs. Passengers disembarked and were taken to local hotels. and the ferry was later taken to drydock for repairs. Reports state several passengers were unnerved by the incident. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.