On the early morning of March 2, the 16 meter long workboat Ardentia Lagoa (MMSI: 224053260) became disabled in the Atlantic Ocean off the Canary Islands. The vessel alerted authorities it had lost power and required assistance. Authorities from Las Palmas dispatched the 21 meter long search and rescue vessel Salvamar Nunki (MMSI: 224049950) which was able to take the Ardentia Lagoa under tow. The vessels proceeded safely back to port at Las Palmas. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
On December 23, the 142 meter long, 9400 dwt cargo vessel Ursa Major (IMO: 9538892) sank in the Mediterranean Sea some 58 miles off the coast of Almeira, Spain. The Ursa Major had departed from St. Petersburg, Russia on December 11 and reported to be bound for Vladivostok with empty containers in the hold, cargo hatches for icebreakers and two cranes on deck. While sailing between Spain and Algeria, the vessel suffered an explosion in the engine room. The crew had been trying to fix the fuel line to the main engine when vapors ignited. The explosion damaged the main engine resulting in a power blackout and hull damage. The vessel’s hull had partially blown out resulting in uncontrolled water ingress. Unable to contain the flooding, the vessel developed a starboard list.
Fourteen of the 16 crew on board abandoned the Ursa Major in the vessel’s lifeboat. Spanish authorities were alerted and the Salvamento Maritimó sent out two vessels and a helicopter to assist. All 14 crew would be rescued and safely transported to the port of Cartagena, Spain. A Russian warship arrived on scene a short time later and took charge of search and rescue operations. No further details on the 2 missing crew.
Photo: x.com
Photo: x.com
The Ursa Major would later sink the following morning on December 24. Authorities have alerted of the possible damage from drifting wreckage around where the vessel sank. News reports outside of Russia state the Ursa Major was most likely headed for Syria or Libya and not Vladivostok.
On the night of December 6, the 169 meter long, 26502 dwt heavy lift vessel Shang De Wu Yi Shan (IMO: 9994955) suffered a cargo shift in rough seas in the Bay of Biscay some 58 miles off the Cabo Ortegal, Spain. The Shang De Wu Yi Shan was en route to Thailand from Breherhaven loaded with two large gantry cranes. The crew alerted Salvamento Marítimo the 92 meter tall and 100 meter wide heavy cranes had shifted and the vessel had lost stability. Authorities dispatched the tug Alonso de Chaves along with a SAR boat and helicopter to assist. The helicopter was first to arrive and found the partial remains of the two cranes on the deck of Shang De Wu Yi Shan. A visual inspection found the cranes had collapsed with the majority going overboard damaging the deck and hull of the vessel. While damaged by the incident, the Shang De Wu Yi Shan was stable and was able to proceed under its own power. The tug Alonso de Chaves would later escort the heavy lift vessel to an anchorage off A Coruña, Spain.
No details released on the monetary cost of the lost of the 2 cranes. No reports of injuries.
