Spain – Shipwreck Log

The fishing vessel Arthur Paula caught fire and sank on the Ría del Carreras while berthed at the marina of Isla Cristina, Spain. Reports state the fire started after an explosion on board the Arthur Paula before spreading to nearby trawlers Maria Eduardo and Cortes Canales. The local fire brigade was alerted and were assisted by fire boats to extinguish the blaze.

The Cortes Canales sustained slight damage. The Maria Eduardo and Arthur Paula lines were cut allowing the trawler to drift away from the other vessels. The Arthur Paula eventually burned to the waters edge and sank. The Maria Eduardo was gutted by the fire. Nearby equipment and nets on the dock also sustained damage by the fire.

Three crew members sustained injuries. Two crew had significant injuries requiring them to be taken to hospital in Seville.

Authorities state some pollution had been released. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

Boramar

July 25, 2018 Paul Hancock

On July 24, the 21 meter long passenger ship Boramar caught fire off Illa da Toxa, Spain. A short time after the Boramar left port, the catamaran suffered an explosion and resulting fire. Within seconds flames consumed the vessel forcing all 48 passengers and three crew to jump into the sea. Nearby boaters responded to the scene and pulled the survivors from the water. Spanish authorities responded to the scene with fire fighters and ambulances. Two medical helicopters, patrol boats and fire fighting vessels arrived to provide aid to the survivors and help extinguish the fire.

Some 38 persons sustained injuries with a small number suffering from severe burns. Reports state five persons were taken to hospital for treatment. Reports state all 51 on board were accounted for and there were no fatalities. Reports state the Boramar superstructure and hull was completely destroyed before the fire was brought under control.

The cause of the explosion and fire is still under investigation. The Boramar had only been put into service a week ago. Some reports have stated the catamaran had struck a small flat-bottom boat resulting in an explosion. Others witnesses say the explosion and fire started near the galley on the Boramar which may have been caused by a rupture in a pressurized gas cylinder. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

Barlovento Primero

June 2, 2018 Paul Hancock

On May 30, the 43 meter long, 468 dwt suction dredger Barlovento Primero suffered water ingress and sank off the port of Suances, Spain. The Barlovento Primero was dredging near the entrance to the port when it suffered water ingress in the engine room. The master and two crew members on board started the pumps to bring the flooding under control, but the pumps were quickly overwhelmed. The three men abandoned ship to another dredge that was next to the Barlovento Primero.

In just 20 minutes, the Barlovento Primero partially submerged with just a part of the bow hull above water. Authorities were alerted who dispatched a response team to the scene. They found no signs of pollution released. A beacon was placed over the site to alert other vessels of the obstacle. The Barlovento Primero completely sank the the following day. Reports state an action plan is being created to remove the fuel off the Barlovento Primero to prevent any environmental damage.