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Tag: Sailing Vessel

Cuauhtémoc

Cuauhtémoc

 

Cuauhtémoc 
Photo: x.com

On the evening of May 17, the 90 meter long, 1755 dwt barque Cuauhtémoc allided on the East River off Brooklyn, New York.  The Cuauhtémoc had departed from the South Street Seaport with 277 crew on board when it suffered a mechanical breakdown having the vessel going astern. Pulled by the current, the Cuauhtémoc struck the Brooklyn Bridge with its masts.

The Brooklyn Bridge had a clearance of 127 feet, but the masts of the Cuauhtémoc reached a height of 147 feet. The result was all three masts sustained damaged with parts of the mast toppling over. Two crew members were killed and another 20 were injured from the incident.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. News reports stated a tugboat was supposed to help the sailing ship leave its berth, but failed to keep the Cuauhtémoc under control. This suggests the tug was under powered or positioned incorrectly to keep the sailing ship from striking the bridge. Other accounts state the Cuauhtémoc may have suffered an electrical fault just after it left the pier.

The Cuauhtémoc was taking part in a goodwill voyage for the Mexican Navy and was bound for Iceland before the incident. More information about the vessel can be found here.

Nina Otaki

Nina Otaki

Nina Otaki
Photo: ptleader.com

On December 20, the 80 foot long, 63 ton schooner Nina Otaki ran aground in Discovery Bay on Beckett Point, Washington. The schooner had been at anchor when it was blown ashore by strong winds and driven up onto the rocky beach. No reports of injuries. The Coast Guard responded and dispatched a team to remove fuel off the vessel.  Reports state the vessel was still aground several days after the incident.

Nina Otaki
Photo: ptleader.com

The Nina Otaki had run aground before off Point Wilson Lighthouse in 2017.  The vessel remained on the beach for several days before it was refloated. The vessel is unique as it’s hull is made of iron-reinforced concrete.

January 15 Update

The schooner remains aground on the beach. Reports state there is some uncertainty if the Nina Otaki will be pulled off the beach or not. The current owner has not arranged salvage. The vessel may be removed off the beach by order of the Washington DNR.

Alexandra

Alexandra

Alexandra
Photo: hbl.fi

The 23 meter long schooner Alexandra went aground near the west side of Sandhamn near Helsinki, Finland.  The sailing vessel was passing through Kungs Sound when it suffered water ingress. Unable to control the flooding, the crew decided to run the Alexandra aground in shallow water to avoid it possibly sinking.  Authorities were alerted and arrived on scene quickly.  Pumps were placed on board the schooner and were able to dewater the vessel.  Rescue vessel took the Alexandra under tow and proceeded to Skatudden for repairs.  No reports of injuries of the four crew on board.