On April 19, the 139 meter long, 11816 dwt container ship MSC Talia F (IMO: 9308601) became disabled on the Atlantic Ocean off Punta Melenara, Spain. The MSC Talia F loaded with containers had suffered engine failure and went adrift in rough conditions with winds reaching 30 knots and waves reaching 2 meters.
Photo: Salvamento Marítimo
Photo: Salvamento Marítimo
Photo: Salvamento Marítimo
The MSC Talia F contacted authorities requesting assistance. The Salvamento Marítimo deployed the tugboat Heroínas de Sálvora to assist. The tug was able to take the container ship under tow and proceeded to Port La Palmas. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released. Reports state the MSC Talia F was able to make repairs and proceed on its voyage to Nouakchott, Mauritania.
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.
