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Tag: Ship grounding

San Esteban

San Esteban

San Esteban
Photo: cadenaser.com

On the morning of August 26, the 17 meter long former tugboat San Esteban ran aground on the Ría de Vigo at Plaia América, Spain. The tugboat had suffered a mechanical failure and drifted ashore onto the beach.  The San Esteban remained aground until later that afternoon when it refloated by the 15 meter long  rescue vessel Punta da Guía (MMSI: 225990314) on the rising tide.  The Punta da Guía took the San Esteban under tow back to the Baiona docks. No reports of injuries or pollution released.

The San Esteban was built in 1902 as a fishing vessel named Venture. The vessel was converted into a tugboat in 1907 and served in the port of San Esteban until it was decommissioned in 1970. The vessel was restored in the late 1990s and recently in 2021.

Thanh Thanh Dat 99

Thanh Thanh Dat 99

Thanh Thanh Dat 99
Photo: giaoducthoidai.vn

On the early morning of August 26, the 151 meter long, 22332 dwt bulk carrier Thanh Thanh Dat 99 (IMO: 9223655) ran aground in Tien Trang Sea off Binh village, Tien Trang, Vietnam. The Thanh Thanh Dat 99 departed from Nam Dinh bound for Nghi Son.  As it approached the anchorage near Binh village, the bulk carrier dropped its anchor, but it dragged due to the strong winds and heavy seas caused by Typhoon Kajiki. The waves pushed the Thanh Thanh Dat 99 ashore until it was resting just 70 meters off the beach.  

Authorities were able to rescue all 19 crew safely off the vessel.  Reports stated the crew had contacted the Nghi Son for assistance refloating the bulk carrier.  No reports of pollution released.

Joy George

Joy George

Joy George
Photo: myjoyonline.com

On August 19, the fishing vessel Joy George, CR-338-EL partially sank in the Gulf of Guinea just outside Elmina Castle, Ghana. The Joy George had departed from Elmina at low tide and as it departed out of the harbour it struck some submerged rocks.  The vessel’s hull was gashed and quickly flooded within minutes. Fortunately, a rescue boat was nearby and quickly came to the aid of the Joy George.  All 23 crew on board the fishing vessel were safely rescued and taken ashore.  No reports of injuries.

The Joy George was later recovered and towed to the safety of the breakwater off Elmina Castle.  Reports state the Joy George had just recently been built and is the second largest vessel operating out of Elmina. Local fishermen in the area stated the rocks are a known navigation hazard. The boulders were part of the breakwater construction and present an obstacle for vessels entering and leaving the harbour. Locals also stated the sandbars have formed near the harbour entrance making navigation difficult.