Shipwreck Log

The 48 meter long dredger Perla sank just one hour after being launched from a drydock at Reykjavik, Iceland. The Perla was launched this morning and quickly developed a list to starboard.  The crew alerted local firefighters who broke pumps, but the flooding could not be brought under control.  The two crew on the Perla were evacuated and  the dredger went down by the bow off a quay leaving a small sheen on the surface. Booms were placed around the sunken hull to control any pollution released. Reports state some 12000 litres of diesel fuel was on board at the time.

Authorities reported that the flooding was caused by a mistake at the shipyard.  The shutters in the hull had not been closed when the vessel had been launched.

The Perla will be refloated on the following low tide when pumps can empty the holds of water.  The dredger was engaged in the dredging of the harbor at Reykjavik.