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Tag: Spain

Agorreta

Agorreta

Agorreta
Photo: g24.gal

On the evening February 1, a fire broke out on the 25 meter long, 238 gt fishing vessel Agorreta (ISO: 8874457) in the Bay of Biscay while berthed at Burela, Spain. The fire started in the galley while there was no one on board.  Fortunately, a witness spotted smoke coming from the fishing vessel and alerted local authorities. Nearby workers attempted to contain the blaze until the local fire brigade arrived on site. Fire fighters eventually extinguished the blaze several hours later. The Agorreta had sustained significant fire damage to the fish hold, bridge, kitchen and crew cabin.  However, the engine room and and much of the rig were saved.  The cause of the fire was not disclosed, but the affected area is where paints, plastics and diesel fuel were stored. There were no reports of injuries.

 

Ursa Major

Ursa Major

Ursa Major
Photo: x.com

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.

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.

 

 

Langeland

Langeland

Langeland
Photo: laprovincia.es

On December 9, the 90 meter long, 5214 dwt bulk carrier Langeland (IMO: 9968243) caught fire while berthed at the port of Arinaga, Gran Canaria, Spain. The Langeland was loading a cargo of scrap metal when a fire broke out in the cargo hold. The crew attempted to extinguish the blaze by closing the cargo hatches and deploy the vessel’s fire suppression system, but the fire had burned the wires controlling the hatches. Local fire brigade was called and was able to douse the flames within a few hours. Foam was also used to prevent any further re-ignition.

There were no reports of injuries or pollution released.  The extent of damage to the Langeland was not disclosed. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.