Spica
On February 28, the 83 meter long, 30147 gt oil rig West Taurus allided with the 151 meter long, 8932 dwt container ship Spica in the port of Tenerife, Canary Islands. The West Taurus had been moored in the east basin of the port when cyclone Emma passed by the area. Strong winds slammed against the oil rig causing it to pull away from its moorings and break a bollard. Winds continued to push the vessel across the basin until it struck the moored Spica. The Spica sustained a 4 meter long hull breach below the waterline resulting in water ingress in the cargo hold. The hold quickly filled with 9 feet of water as the Spica’s pumps were unable to keep up with the flooding. Seven dewatering pumps along with divers arrived on scene a short time later. The divers patched the hull while the pumps removed the water out of the hold. Tugs towed the West Taurus back to its berth. No reports of injuries.
