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Tag: Ro-Ro

Ierapetra L

Ierapetra L

Ierapetra L
Photo: lagazzettadelmezzogiorno.it

On November 29, the 139 meter long ro-ro passenger ferry Ierapetra L caught fire off Brindisi, Italy.  The ferry had just departed from Brindisi bound for Bari with 23 crew on board when a fire broke out in the vessel’s engine room.  The crew attempted to douse the blaze, but were unable to control it.  The crew requested assistance with nearby vessels responding.  With assistance, the fire was finally extinguished by the on board fire supression system.  The Ierapetra L turned back to port escorted by three patrol boats. No reports of injuries.  The ferry sustained significant damage to the engine room and had visible signs of heat damage to the hull.

Åfjord

Åfjord

Åfjord
Photo: finnmarkdagblad.no

The 63 meter long ro-ro ferry Åfjord ran aground at Finneset, Norway. The Åfjord was en route between Øksfjord and Hasvik when it ran onto the rocks.  The ferry developed a list and some oil pollution was released.  No reports of injuries to the 11 passengers and 4 crew on board, but the first mate had become ill and required medical assistance. Authorities dispatched a Sea King helicopter, two lifeboats and a tug to the scene.  The 11 passengers were safely taken ashore and were transferred to a bus.  The Åfjord went aground at high tide which may complicate salvage efforts. The cause of the grounding was not reported.

Bella Desgagnes

Bella Desgagnes

Bella Desgagnes
Photo: radio-canada.ca

On November 25, the 97 meter ro-ro passenger ship Bella Desgagnes ran aground in the Gulf of St. Lawrence near Kegaska, Quebec. The Bella Desgagnes had encountered strong winds reaching in excess of 80 km/h when the vessel struck the seabed off Kegaska.  One of the vessel’s bow thrusters sustained damage.  None of the passengers were injured, but one crewman suffered minor injuries. The Bella Desgagnes proceeded to Sept-Îles at reduced speed.  Reports state divers had made an inspection to the bow thrusters  to see what repairs were necessary.