Browsed by
Tag: Tug

Tug Sank

Tug Sank

The 51 meter long, 910 dwt tug VB Antartico sank off the northwest coast of Portugal.   The tug was sailing from Cartagena to La Coruna with a floating platform under tow when it encountered heavy seas.   The tug then lost power by a mechanical failure and went adrift.   The master of the VB Antartico contacted the Portuguese Rescue Service for assistance.    Before any rescue craft could reach the tug, it was pulled by the current until it struck the floating platform.  The collision ruptured the hull of VB Antartico allowing water ingress into the vessel.   As the tug settled lower into the water,  the 11 crewmen on board hurried to the lifeboats.    Luckily, the crew were quickly rescued by the nearby vessels LNG tanker Arctic Voyager and the tanker Elizabeth.  Why did the tug lose power and sink?  The owners released a statement stating the sinking was “by reason and due to unpredictable weather.”  Other reports stated that the crew lacked the necessary expertise.   This is supported by several maneuvers done by the tug’s master along with that the tug went to sea without enough fuel.   The report suspects the vessel ran out of fuel which led to the power loss.    The VB Antartico was built in 1977 as the Shoei Maru.

Enhanced by Zemanta
Collision on the Columbia

Collision on the Columbia

The tugboat Clarkston collided with the 45,222 dwt freighter Genco Marine on the Columbia River near Vancouver, Washington.    The Clarkston veered and struck Genco Marine which was at anchor.   Reports state there might be damage to Clarkston.     The reason for the tug striking the freighter has not been reported.  The Coast Guard has launched an investigation.

Enhanced by Zemanta
Five Days Rescued Twice!

Five Days Rescued Twice!

Feb. 21, Coast Guard Cutter Seneca sending over supplies to the fishing vessel Meridian. U.S. Coast Guard photo

The 80-foot fishing vessel Meridian was in distress twice within two weeks.   On February 21, 2011 the Meridian contacted the Coast Guard for assistance while off the coast of Rockland, Maine.   The Meridian reported that it had lost power and the vessel’s generator was broken.  The 270-foot Coast Guard Cutter Seneca took the Meridian under tow and safely reached Boston on February 22.  

Photo by Capt. Mike Littlefield of the Tug Viking
Photo by Capt. Mike Littlefield of the Tug Viking

Less than a week later on February 27,  the Meridian sent out a distress call while off Cape Ann, Massachusetts Bay stating the vessel was in distress.  The Coast Guard sent out a request to see if any vessels were in the vicinity of the Meridian and could assist if possible.  The 133 foot long,  158 gt  tug Viking responded and headed towards the Meridian.   The weather conditions were severe with 25-30 knot winds and 8 to 12 foot waves.   The Viking’s crew was able to get a towline over the fishing vessel using a line throwing gun.   The Viking then towed the vessel towards Gloucester until the Meridian could be transferred to the Coast Guard.   The Viking is owned by the K-Sea Transportation.

Enhanced by Zemanta