The 17 meter long fishing vessel Royal Sovereign became disabled while approaching the harbour at Sovereign, England. The trawler had suffered a malfunction with its steering. The vessel contacted the RNLI requesting assistance. The RNLI all-weather lifeboat was dispatched and took the Royal Sovereign under tow. The vessels proceeded into the harbour where the trawler safely moored. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
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The 87 meter long, 2376 dwt freighter Union Moon collided with the 186 meter long, 1500 dwt ro-ro ferry Stena Feronia in Belfast Lough. The Union Moon struck into the side of the ferry gashing a large hole in the ferry’s hull. Fortunately, the damage was above the waterline. The bow of the Union Moon was crushed, but the watertight bulkhead held and the freighter remained afloat. Multiple RNLI lifeboats responded to the scene (video below) providing support and damage control. No reports of injuries on either vessel. Both vessels proceeded to Belfast escorted by tugs and the lifeboats. The ferry was en route to Belfast from Merseyside‘s Birkenhead with 51 passengers and 47 crew. Authorities are conducting an investigation into the incident. A report states the master of the Union Moon failed an alcohol test and has been charged.
Passengers on board the Stena Feronia stated they heard a loud bang with emergency alarms sounding soon after. They were instructed to put on life jackets and prepare to evacuate to the lifeboats on board. Reports state the crew remained in control and kept passengers calm during the incident.
Photos trawlerphotos.co.uk
The 15 meter long fishing vessel Good Fellowship BK172 and the 11 meter long fishing vessel Trustful A74 became disabled off Tynemouth, England. The trawler Trustful had become disabled when its propeller had been tangle in their nets. The Trustful was taken under tow by the Good Fellowship and headed back to port. The vessels proceeded a short distance when the Good Fellowship became disabled when it’s propeller was fouled by some floating debris. The Good Fellowship contacted the RNLI who dispatched a lifeboat from Tynemouth. The lifeboat took both vessels under tow back to harbour and berthed at the North Shields quay. No reports of injuries or pollution being released.
