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Tag: Ship grounding

MF Axel

MF Axel

MF Axel
Photo: bonniernews.se

On the afternoon of July 19, the 18 meter long, 29 gt passenger ship MF Axel (MMSI: 265632000) ran aground in the Baltic Sea in the Karlskrona archipelago off Ramsö, Sweden. The MF Axel was proceeding with 87 passengers when it grounded in shallow water in the narrow Sjuhallasundet Strait. The passenger ship remained firmly aground on the sandy bottom just 100 meters from the shore and was unable to free itself. The Swedish Coast Guard and Swedish Sea Rescue Society (SSRS) was called out to assist and arrived a short time later. Rescuers began an evacuation of all the passengers off the MF Axel. During the evacuation, the MF Axel was lightened enough it floated free. However, not until all passengers were transferred off the passenger ship, the MF Axel was allowed to proceed under its own power back to Karlskrona. There were no reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.

Authorities launched an investigation into the incident. The Coast Guard questioned the crew and checks for alcohol were negative. An initial report stated the incident was at no fault of the vessel or the crew. The iron hulled MF Axel was built in 1934 and operates between Fisktorget in Karlskrona and Nättraby.

 

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.

Pös 602

Pös 602

Pös 602
Photo: Greek Coast Guard

On the afternoon of July 14, the 19 meter long Frontex patrol vessel Pös 602 (MMSI: 237708500) sank  in the Aegean Sea off the coast of the Island of Lesbos near the town of Anaxos, Greece. The Pös 602 had struck a rock off the islet of Agios Georgios during a search and rescue operation.  The grounding resulted in puncturing the keel and uncontrolled water ingress.  The Pös 602 requested assistance with the  Greek Coast Guard along with a helicopter responding. The Greek Coast Guard was able to rescue all 6 crew who had abandoned ship into a life raft.  The crew were later taken to the port of Molyvos. No reports of injuries.  Reports state the Pös 602 sank, but no details if the patrol vessel released any pollution.