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Tag: Tugboat

Iron Horse

Iron Horse

Iron Horse
Photo: cheknews.ca

On July 7, the 15 meter long tugboat Iron Horse sank to the bottom in the Discovery Passage in Campbell River marina on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. The tugboat, built in 1945, had been derelict for some years and had suffered water ingress and partially sank in May 2025 before it completely sank in July.

Iron Horse
Photo: shipspotting.com

Port authorities reported that small amount of oil and diesel fuel pollution had been released from the tugboat. The Canadian Coast Guard had the owner remove the majority of the oil and fuel in 2023. The owner of the Iron Horse once lived in a makeshift houseboat tied next to the tugboat. The man was elderly and had moved away some time prior. Authorities state they do not have a current address for the owner.  The Iron Horse had no insurance.

The harbour authorities state they may have to pay for the cost of removing the tug and the pollution cleanup. Estimates could be as high as $100,000 CAN.  The Canadian Coast Guard will not be involved as the Iron Horse was not a navigational hazard and the amount of pollution is minor.

Fulda

Fulda

Fulda
Photo: x.com

On the afternoon of July 6, the 148 meter long, 19477 dwt chemical tanker Fulda (IMO: 9185865) exploded if the Gulf of Kurch near the port of Kandla, Gujarat, India. The Fulda had completed a discharge of a cargo of methanol at the Oil Jetty No. 2 in the port in Kandla and proceeded to leave port bound for Port Sohar, Oman.  A few hours later  the Fulda would explode ripping up most of its top deck apart. Witnessed by the nearby 175.5 meter long, 31858 dwt bulk carrier Team Focus (IMO: 9424132), the Fulda sustained massive damage but was still afloat. The master of the tanker stated there was no underwater damage and none of the 384 tons of fuel had not been released into the water.

However, the Fulda may have suffered some water ingress to its ballast tanks as it developed a 22 degree list to starboard that shifted to port as the crew attempted to stabilize the vessel. The 21 crew on board the tanker were later evacuated by the 31.5 meter long tug Orchid Star (IMO: 9658850) which had been dispatched from Kandla.  No details were reported if any crew had been injured from the incident.

Indian authorities dispatched multiple vessels from the Coast Guard along with multiple tugs to monitor the Fulda. The Coast Guard has sent out alerts to keep all vessel traffic away from the tanker due to the potential of fire or pollution being released. Latest reports state the Fulda was taken under tow back to Kandla.

The cause of the explosion is under investigation. Initial reports suggest the explosion was due to the improper venting of flammable vapors during the discharge. There has been no reports if the Fulda was in the practice of using inert gassing or if it allowed an air-vapor mixture to to build up in the tanks like what occurred on the Sansinena explosion in 1976. That explosion was so massive that sections of the vessel sent burning rivets into the air into the surround area and lead to changes to regulations on how venting was done on tankers.

Cala Gullo

Cala Gullo

Cala Gullo
Photo: infopuertos.com

On the morning of June 30, the 31.5 meter long, 387 dwt tugboat Cala Gullo (IMO: 9791509) sank in the Balearic Sea at the port of Barcelona, Spain. The Cala Gullo was assisting the 330 meter long, 134869 dwt container ship Cape Sounio (IMO: 9727625) in maneuver to turn the vessel around to depart from the terminal when the vessels collided.  The bow of the container ship struck the tug causing it to list over and sink. The Cape Sounio was undamaged, but the Cala Gullo sank.  The three crew onboard the tug were rescued by a pilot boat.

Authorities report there were no injuries and no pollution released. Reports state the Cala Gullo would be refloated. The Cape Sounio was allowed to proceed on its voyage to La Spezia. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.