The 95 meter long, 3911 dwt research vessel Aurora Australis ran aground in Horsehoe Harbour near Mawson Station, Antarctica. The Aurora Australis was moored in the harbour when a blizzard with strong winds reaching over 130km an hour cause the vessel to break its mooring lines. Pushed by the wind, the research vessel drifted aground. No reports of injuries to the 67 persons on board. Reports state the Aurora Australis was undamaged and no water ingress reported. No reports on when or if the research vessel will be salvaged.
The 100 meter long research vessel Atlantic Enterprise struck a quay at Eemshaven, Netherlands. The vessel was maneouvering between berths when it allided with the quay. No reports of injuries. Reports state damage was minor to the Atlantic Enterprise.
On October 10, the 73 meter long, 2,700 ton research vessel Ocean Researcher V ran aground and sank off Penghu Islands, Taiwan. The Ocean Researcher V departed October 5 from Tainan City for an eight day research expedition with 27 researchers and 18 crew. On October 10, the Ocean Researcher V was seeking shelter from Typhoon Vangfong when it ran aground onto a reef near Penghu Islands. The vessel sustained hull damage with water ingress. The vessel lost power and was sinking. The crew quickly sent out a distress call.
Photo: Taiwan Ministry
Authorities dispatched two navy vessels and four patrol boats from the Coast Guard. A helicopter was dispatched and attempted to airlift the people off the research vessel, but large waves snapped the cable holding the cage. The 45 people on board put on life jackets and abandoned ship. Some were able to climb into rubber life rafts while others jumped into the sea.
Rescuers pulled 43 survivors which 25 had suffered injuries. Two bodies were also recovered. Reports state the two who perished were researchers including the head researcher leading the expedition.
Photo: Taiwan Coast Guard
Photo: Taiwan Ministry
Photo: Taiwan Coast Guard
Reports state the ministry who owns the vessel will attempt to salvage the research vessel. The Ocean Researcher V cost $48 million (US) to build in 2013.
