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.
On September 4, the 116 meter long, 8081 dwt cargo vessel Akhisar released pollution while berthed at Las Palmas, Gran Canaria. The Akhisar was being refueled with bunker oil when there was a leak releasing some 3 tons of low sulfur oil into the water. Authorities report an oil sheen covering some 2.5 kilometers long and over 400 meter wide. Authorities closed several beaches due to the pollution. A response team was dispatched to contain the oil and begin cleaning operations. No reports of injuries.
Photo: salvamentomaritimo.es
Photo: salvamentomaritimo.es
Photo: salvamentomaritimo.es
The Akhisar was allowed to leave port on September 7 on its voyage to Praia, Cape Verde.
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.
