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Tag: Sailing Vessel

Marigalante

Marigalante

Marigalante
Photo: hoy.com.do

On the afternoon of October 10, the wooden 700 ton, 3-masted sailing galleon Marigalante sank in the Pacific Ocean off Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The Marigalante had suffered water ingress after the mechanical failure of the bilge pump. Unable to control the flooding, water rose in the hull.  The 9 crew members on board attempted to repair the bilge system, but were unable to stop the flooding. The vessel quickly developed a starboard list and sank a short time later.  All the crew on board were safely evacuated and there were no injuries. No details were provided to how much pollution was released.

There was some speculation to the cause of the sinking. The Marigalante had withstood the passing tropical storm Raymond the prior day. However, authorities stated the high winds and large waves from the storm were not the cause of the vessel’s sinking. Mexican authorities did report the sailing vessel suffered structural damage when it sank. There will be an assessment made to see if the Marigalante could be raised and salvaged.

The Marigalante was built in 1982 as a replica to the carvel Santa Maria, the vessel which Christopher Columbus sailed in 1492, and took part of the commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America in 1992.  The vessel had 4 decks and could carry up to 240 passengers. Used in themed tours and nightly shows, the Marigalante continued to be in use in Puerto Vallarta.

Artemis

Artemis

Artemis
Photo: omropfryslan.nl

On October 4, the 59 meter long 3-masted sailing vessel Artemis (IMO: 5209699) allided on the North Sea at the port of Harlingen, Netherlands. The Artemis was pushed by strong winds into the quay sustaining some damage to its port hull.  Machinery was used to keep the sailing ship off the quay until fenders could be deployed. No reports of injuries or pollution released.

Artemis

 

Storebaelt

Storebaelt

Storebaelt
Photo: schuttevaer.nl

On the evening of September 16, the 34.5 meter long sailing ship Storebaelt collided with the 70 meter long dredger Prins 3 (MMSI: 244700457) in the Wadden Sea off the coast of Harlingen, Netherlands.  The Storebaelt was proceeding on a voyage when it struck head-on with the dredger.  The impact damaged the bowsprit of the Storebaelt and the dredger sustained damage to its bow, but neither vessel suffered water ingress. The KNRM was alerted and two rescue boats were dispatched to the scene.  The KNRM along with another vessel help tow both the Prins 3 and the Storebaelt back to port.

There were no injuries to the 3 crew on the Prins 3, but there were reports of minor injuries on the Storebaelt.  Reports state the sailing vessel had some 25 schoolchildren and 5 adult supervisors on board as passengers during the incident.  Many of the children were examined for bumps and bruises as many were visibly shaken from the incident.  Afterwards, all the passengers were taken to a nearby hotel.

Reports state that conditions may have been a factor in the incident as there were strong winds and heavy rains limited visibility. The incident is under investigation.