On the afternoon of October 10, the 89 meter long, 4670 dwt cargo vessel Sofular 1 (IMO: 9540601) became disabled in the Mediterranean Sea some 20 nautical miles off Port-la-Nouvelle, France. The Sofular 1 departed from Sulina with a cargo of fertilizer when it suffered gearbox failure and went adrift. After the crew was unable to repair the damage, the vessel alerted authorities and requested assistance. French authorities dispatched the 91 meter long tug Abeille Méditerranée (IMO: 9417749) to the aid of the Sofular 1. The tug arrived in the evening and took the cargo vessel under tow. The vessels proceeded to Port-la-Nouvelle arriving the morning of October 11. There the Sofular 1 dropped anchor to await repairs. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
On the morning of October 10, the 207 meter long, 33438 dwt self-unloader bulk carrier John J. Boland (IMO: 7318901) became disabled on Lake St. Clair near the entrance to the Detroit River. The John J. Boland was headed to Toledo from Sault Ste. Marie when it suffered engine problems. The bulk carrier dropped anchor until tugs could be sent to assist. The tugs, 19 meter long Minnesota (MMSI: 368343820) and 18 meter long Ohio (MMSI: 368067780), arrived on site a short time later and took the bulk carrier under tow. The vessels proceeded downbound to Detroit. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
On the night of April 17, the 32 meter long towboat Papu Mar (MMSI: 755103015) sank on the Río de la Plata Punta in the Indio Channel near the Banco Chico reef off Argentina. The Papu Mar was pushing the barge 240-4 carrying 140 containers when the towboat suffered uncontrolled water ingress caused by stormy conditions. The crew was unable to control the flooding and the towboat partially sank by the stern. The nine crew on board were able to evacuate the vessel and seek refuge on the barge. Authorities would later rescue the crew and safely transferred them to Port of La Plata where they would receive medical treatment.
Photo: comexonline.com.ar
The RN Salvamento dispatched the tug Ona Don Lorenzo (IMO: 9328388) to assess the situation. The tug was found the Papu Mar had completely sunk, but still connected to the barge. The barge would later be uncoupled and towed to Buenos Aires. Authorities were monitoring the sunken towboat for any potential release of pollution. Reports state the vessel owners were arranging the refloating of the Papu Mar. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
Photo: comexonline.com.ar
Photo: comexonline.com.ar
Photo: comexonline.com.ar
Photo: comexonline.com.ar
Photo: portalportuario.cl
Photo: paraguayfluvial.com
Photo: paraguayfluvial.com
Photo: x.com
Local news reports state the towboat had possibly made an error in judgement to cross the river during the storm. There are suggestions that the rudder room or excessive listing may have allowed water to flood the vessel.
