On the early morning hours of November 18, the 20 meter long fishing vessel El Perla (MMSI: 22401110) became disabled in the Balearic Sea off Altafulla, Spain. The El Perla had suffered engine failure and requested assistance. Spanish authorities dispatched the 21 meter long SAR vessel Salvamar Fomalhaut to assist. The Salvamar Fomalhaut took the El Perla under tow and proceeded to Tarragona arriving a few hours later. No reports of injuries to the 10 crew on board the El Perla or pollution released.
On the early morning hours of November 1, the 179 meter long, 30,765 dwt bulk carrier Louisa Bolten (IMO: 9407049) collided with the 156.5 meter long, 26,071 dwt tanker Southern Puma (IMO: 9792008) in the Strait of Gibraltar off Algeciras, Spain. The Southern Puma was headed for Bilbao from Antwerp with a cargo of paraffin when the Louisa Bolten, en route from Avonmouth to Aliaga, struck the forward starboard section of the Southern Puma. While the bulk carrier sustained bow damage, the tanker suffered more damage on its starboard hull with at least one of the tanker’s hold breached. After the collision, authorities dispatched multiple vessels along with aircraft to the scene. Authorities found the Southern Puma had released pollution into the sea. An investigation found that 600 tons of liquid paraffin had been spilled.
The Southern Puma was escorted by four tugs to the port of Algeciras where it will transfer the cargo to another vessel before it can go into drydock. A boom was placed around the vessel to contain any further pollution released. Reports state some of the liquid paraffin released has solidified and washed ashore.
Photo: europasur.es
Photo: europasur.es
Photo: puentedemando.com
Photo: puentedemando.com
Initial reports state the Southern Puma had disabled its AIS prior to the collision. The Louisa Bolten was inspected and allowed to proceed on its voyage for Aliaga, Turkey. The incident remains under investigation.
On November 1, the 31.5 meter long 263 gt fishing vessel OCantiño (IMO: 9174830) became disabled in the Bay of Biscay 15 miles off Burela, Spain. The O Cantiño had its propeller get entangled with the fishing gear and went adrift. The vessel requested assistance with the Salvamento Marítimo out of Finisterre dispatching the support vessel Salvamar Alioth to the scene. The Salvamar Alioth took the O Cantiño under tow and proceed safely to the port of Burela. No reports of injuries to the 9 crew on board and no pollution released.
