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Tag: Sailing Vessel

Alvei

Alvei

Alvei
Photo: kn-online.de

On the afternoon of August 9, the 26 meter long 3-masted schooner Alvei (MMSI: 576054000) allided on the Baltic Sea at Eckernförde, Germany. The Alvei was conducting a maneuver to dock in the harbor when it struck the quay wall.  The vessel’s jib boom swung out and struck a power and water distribution box resulting in fountain of water reaching up to 5 meters high. Local utility workers were able to shut off the power and water a short time later.

Alvei

Damage to the Alvei had not been disclosed, but authorities were conducting a survey of the harbor and schooner. No reports of injuries and no pollution released. The Alvei was originally built as a fishing lugger in Scotland in 1920. The vessel was extensively re-rigged in 1986 with square sails on both of its forward masts.

Gefion

Gefion

Gefion
Photo: folketidende.dk

On the morning of July 6, the 11 meter long, 2 masted sailing vessel Gefion (MMSI: 211567940) went aground on the Fehmarn Belt off Rødbyhavn, Denmark.  The Gefion was leaving the port of Rødbyhavn when it suffered engine engine failure. The sailing ship was unable to restart the engine before it washed ashore onto a breakwater. The Gefion suffered hull damage as it struck the rocks.  The damage allowed uncontrolled water ingress and the sailing ship flooded until it settled against the breakwater. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported.

Danish authorities determined there was no risk to maritime traffic. The 42 meter long dredger Vilma Høj (IMO: 6616904) was hired to remove the Gefion from the breakwater. Reports state the Gefion was removed on July 15. The Gefion was built in 1932 on the Danish island of Thurø.

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.