On the evening of November 14, the 15 meter long fishing vessel PW82 Isabella became disabled in the Irish Sea some 26.5 miles southwest of St. Ann’s Head, Wales. The PW82 Isabella had suffered mechanical issues sent out a distress call. The Angle RNLI launched a lifeboat and would reach the disabled fishing vessel a few hours later. The lifeboat would take the PW82 Isabella under tow and proceed back to port. After 7 hours, the vessels reached Milford safely the following morning. No reports of injuries to the 7 crew on board, damage or pollution released.
On the morning of January 14, the 24.5 meter long, 115 gt ro-ro survey vessel MTS Terramare (IMO: 8843329) went aground in St. Brides Bay off Newgale Beach in Pembrokeshire, Wales. The MTS Terramare was engaged in some cable work when it suffered engine failure and went adrift. The survey vessel would be pushed by three to five foot waves until it washed up on the beach at high tide. The vessel was nearly high and dry allowing the crew to safely evacuate. No reports of injuries to the crew.
The HM Coastguard was alerted and requested the RNLI lifeboat Norah Wortley to be dispatched to assist. The lifeboat reached the scene a short time later and found the MTS Terramare firmly ashore. Rescuers determined the vessel was in unfavorable position being broadside onto the beach and would be unfeasible to be salvaged by the lifeboat. Finding all the crew safely ashore, the RNLI returned back to base.
Photo: westerntelegraph.co.uk
Photo: westerntelegraph.co.uk
Photo: westerntelegraph.co.uk
Photo: RNLI
Photo: pembrokeshire-herald.com
Photo: pembrokeshire-herald.com
No reports of what salvage efforts would be done with the survey vessel. Authorities may suggest if salvage is too costly for the 65 year old vessel (built in 1960), the vessel may be scrapped in situ. Local reports do not report any signs of pollution has been released at this time.
On December 20, the 163 meter long, 4286 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry Isle of Innisfree (IMO: 8908466) allided with the quay in the port of Fishguard, Wales. The Isle of Innisfree was attempting to dock when it suffered difficulties and struck the quay and tearing a hole in the port side of the stern. The hole is above the waterline and no reports of water ingress. There were no reports of injuries.
The ferry would undergo emergency repairs before it could proceed on its return voyage to Dublin. Authorities are investigating the incident.
