On October 7, the 85 meter long, 3577 dwt cargo vessel Gotland (IMO: 9411824) ran aground in the Kylerhea near the Isle of Skye, Scotland. The Gotland was en route to Belfast from Wolgast when it nearly ran ashore. The Coastguard was alerted and RNLI lifeboats from Kyle and Portree responded. The lifeboats found the Gotland hard aground but in stable condition. A tug was requested and was on standby until the cargo vessel was refloated on the next high tide. The vessels proceeded to Glenelg Bay where the Gotland anchored. No reports of injuries or pollution released. The cause of the grounding was not reported.
On the evening of October 5, the 85 meter long, 2800 dwt Royal New Zealand Navy hydrographic dive and survey ship HMNZS Manawanui (IMO: 9273662) ran aground and sank off the the island of Upolu, Samoa. The HMNZS Manawanui was doing an hydrographic survey 1 mile off the shore off a reef when it ran aground on the reef. Reports state the vessel struck a part of the reef that is much deeper than other sections known as a bommie. Due to the rough conditions and high winds the vessel most likely hit the reef in a swell causing the hull the strike the reef. The hull sustained significant damage and multiple compartments flooded. The survey ship was setting by the stern and developed a list to starboard.
Photo: stuff.co.nz
Unable to contain the water ingress, all 75 crew and passengers abandoned ship onto the vessel’s life rafts. Local Samoa authorities responded to the incident and dispatched rescue craft to the scene. Rescuers were able to transport all 75 people off the life rafts and safely ashore. Reports state 2 individuals sustained minor injuries and were taken to hospital. A dozen more sustained minor cuts and abrasions from contact with the reef.
Photo: facebook.com/sfesa2017
Photo: facebook.com/sfesa2017
Photo: facebook.com/sfesa2017
Photo: facebook.com/sfesa2017
Photo: facebook.com/sfesa2017
Around the 7am the following morning of October 6, the HMNZS Manawanui was still visible above the water with a severe list. Dense smoke was spotted billowing out of the vessel suggesting a fire had engulf part of the superstructure. By 9 am the HMNZS Manawanui had finally rolled over and sunk.
Samoan authorities are monitoring the area for any pollution released. New Zealand authorities have dispatched a C-130 aircraft to Samoa with medical supplies, personnel and some light clean-up equipment. While no reports of oil pollution, there is a high chance of some fuel or hydraulic oil has been released.
Reports suggest the survey vessel may have lost power before it ran aground, but this has not been verified. Reports state there is some discussion if the vessel will be salvaged, but a site inspection will gather information to see if any salvage is feasible.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident including a Court of Inquiry as the HMNZS Manawanui was purchased in 2019 for $100 million.
On October 2, the 116 meter long, 3332 dwt cargo vessel Florica (IMO: 8837904) ran aground on the Don River in Rostov Oblast, Russia. The Florica had departed from Rostov-on-Don bound for Samsun, Turkey with a cargo of steel billets when it struck a sandbar. Two tugs boats were dispatched to pull the Florica free. Reports state the vessel was undamaged and no pollution released. No reports of injuries to the 14 crew on board.
Photo: yeniavaz.com
This isn’t the first incident for the Florica. On July 23, 2014, the Florica allided with a pier in the port of Azov, Russia. The vessel damaged a ladder connecting the pier to a dolphin, but the cargo was undamaged.
