Daily Vessel Casualty, Piracy & News Report

 

 

Edited By Christoph Wahner, Esq.

 

 

 

The historic dangers of carriage by sea continue to be quite real. Shippers must be encouraged to purchase high quality marine cargo insurance from their freight forwarder or customs broker. It's dangerous out there. Buy the cargo insurance, before the loss!

 

 

Many container vessel incidents go unreported until some complaint by cargo interests. Please report events and send photos to us in confidence. Our reporters remain anonymous upon request.

 

 

Drop us a line and we will properly inform the industry.

 

 

Casualty Reports archive for years past

 

 

4 2013 REPORTS ARE BELOW

 

 

VESSEL LOSS & NEWS DISPATCHES FOR MAY 2013

 

4,200-gt (IMO 9295309) Belgian flagged, self propelled tanker barge Texas, caught fire in the port of Hansweert on May 21. The ship was berthed in the outer southern port. The fire rescue attended with two fire engines and scaled the accident down to a median fire. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 21-05-2013]

 

German river cruise ship Königstein (ENI-No. 05502420, built 1992) collided with the German 8.5-m-yacht Wisperwind off Ruegen island on May 20. An 11 year old boy aboard the yacht was injured. The other three on board, including his parents, were uninjured. The yacht was severely damaged, its bow dented and a hole torn into the foreship which was in no danger in winds of 2 beaufort. The Königstein suffered only slight damage, and none of the passengers and crew of the 67-m-ship which may carry 66 passengers and a crew of 25 was injured. The boy was medically treated on scene, then taken to Stralsund along with his mother. The yacht was towed to Barhöft. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 21-05-2013]

 

4,320-gt Gibraltar-flagged cargo M/V Adrana (IMO 9157143), which was coming from Ceuta, allided with the north jetty off Bremerhaven while entering the port on May 20. The pilot and master had misjudged the strength of the current. Two tugs were called for assistance and berthed the ship around 2 p.m. The bow of the Adrana suffered slight damage, the stone jetty was significantly damaged. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 21-05-2013]

 

Namibian fishing trawler Senhor du Mundo - L 393, ran onto the beach at Paaltjies on May 17. Several attempts by tugs failed to refloat the vessel. On May 17 the rope broke, and also on May 19 no success could be achieved. The ship is owned by Namibia Snoek Supply based in Walvis Bay. The trawler had been on its way back to port after fishing snoek when it encountered engine problems. After the engine failed, the ship slowly drifted towards the beach and got stuck on a sandbar with a list to the starboard and the lower side submerged. The 19-member crew rescued themselves to shore, no one was injured. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 21-05-2013]

 

Lobster fishing boat Marie J capsized off the eastern coast of New Brunswick after issuing a Mayday call on May 18. Three crew were missing. The weather was bad at the time of the Mayday call. Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Halifax said they sent a Cormorant search-and-rescue helicopter and two Coast Guard vessels to join local fishermen searching for the boat. The boat apparently hit a sandbar. The vessel had run aground. The bodies of the three were later retrieved. The captain of the vessel that ran aground had rented it after his fishing boat was destroyed in the May 5 blaze. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 21-05-2013]

 

2,230-gt catamaran speed ferry Golden Blaze (IMO 8919506, built 1992), allided with a pier in Heraklion, Greece with 395 passengers onboard on May 17. There were no injures and no spill, but the vessel was detained for class survey. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 21-05-2013]

 

7,712-dwt general cargo vessel Anna (IMO 9566796, built 2011), Gibraltar flag, ran aground on rocks after an engine failure while entering Ferrol Bay, Spain, Biscay Bay, in San Cristovo area near San Carlos Castle on May 19. The vessel was refloated some 3 hours later with the help of two tugs and high tide, then proceeded to Ferrol. No spill reported. No information about damages, buts some damage is highly probable. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 21-05-2013]

5,901-gt US-flagged ferry Spirit of America (MMSI 366952890) allided with pilings after a loss of power, while attempting to dock at the St. George Ferry Terminal on May 17. The ferry lost power as it arrived and struck the pilings of an adjacent slip close to another vessel. There was no damage to the vessel. No one was injured. There were 972 passengers aboard. A deckhand came running downstairs like something wasn't right and a minute later there was an announcement that said 'Be prepared for impact. People were told by another boat worker to back up and sit down. Though power has been restored to three of the vessel's drives, the boat remains out of service pending investigation of the cause. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 21-05-2013]

 

32,106-dwt general cargo vessel AAL Shanghai (IMO 9498377, built 2012) ran aground on off Pare Pare, South Sulawesi, en route to Hakata, Japan, from Sulawesi on May 17. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 21-05-2013]

 

Fish factory Arctic Storm reported an uncontrolled engine room fire with 120 people onboard some 30 miles west of Grays Harbor (Aberdeen), Wash. on May 20. The fire was brought under control by the crew, after activating a chemical firefighting system. The vessel seems to be stable, but the crew had to be evacuated to one of the fishing vessels nearby. A Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Astoria and two 47-foot motor lifeboat crews from Station Grays Harbor monitored as good Samaritan vessels evacuated 78 of the 120 personnel aboard the fishing vessel. 42 crewmembers remained aboard Arctic Storm to man the vessel. The 78 evacuated crewmembers were moved to the commercial fishing vessels Northern Voyager, Golden Alaska, Sea Dawn and Excellence. The Arctic Storm was reported to contain approximately 188,000 gallons of diesel fuel. No pollution or injuries have been reported. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 21-05-2013]

 

2,549-gt St-Vincent-Grenadins-flagged passenger M/V Serenissima (IMO 5142657) ran aground and became lodged on sand and gravel in Oban Bay on May 20. None of the 61 passengers or 51 crew members were injured during the incident. There were no reports of injuries and no reports of pollution or of water entering the ship. Strong winds hampered initial attempts by the crew and the Oban RNLI lifeboat team to rescue the vessel, but it was eventually re-floated. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 21-05-2013]

 

673-gt British SAR-ship Vos Protector (IMO 8215455) ran aground in Fraserburgh harbor on May 20. The vessel, which was carrying 12 people, was leaving the harbor when it grounded on the breakwater. Aberdeen Coastguard and a Fraserburgh lifeboat were on the scene and managed to tow the boat back to the harbor. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 21-05-2013]

 

1,151-gt Swedish ferry Uraniborg (IMO 9616125), suffered rudder problems on its route between Landskrona and Ven on May 19. The ferry had to be replaced by one of Ventrafikens other ferries on the route. The propeller manufacturer was asked for help which was hoped to be received as soon as possible. The Ferry was sidelined in Landskrona while Passenger traffic was going according to the timetable, a special timetable applied for vehicle traffic. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 21-05-2013]

 

2,052-gt Norwegian ferry Røst (IMO 9035709) suffered fatality when a man fell from the mast on May 18. He had been secured, but the restraint system did not work. Two ambulances and police were on scene at the quay in Svolvær after the alarm. Medics pronounced him dead and an investigation was started. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 21-05-2013]

 

136-gt Norwegian F/V Fugløytind (IMO 8960385) ran aground near Honningvag. The Norwegian patrol boat Magnus Lagabote was able to refloat the casualty. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 21-05-2013]

 

German flagged self propelled barge Bavaria was struck in the stern by a speed boat on the Main near Aschaffenburg-Obernau on May 19. All four occupants of the boat were thrown into the water, the boat got stuck on the shore. Two of them reached the shore, two remain missing. Rescue forces, including fire brigade and police, launched a search with 10 boats, 15 divers, and a helicopter. The couple was not found. The boat had been underway with high speed, the driver was intoxicated and remarked the Bavaria 83 too late in a curve. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 21-05-2013]

 

1,075-gt Canadian supply vessel Anticosti suffered engine room fire in St. John's on May 10. It was not possible to fight the fire with the resources available on the vessel. While bringing it alongside the pier for assistance from the local fire department, it struck the pier very heavily, incurring as yet unknown damage. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 21-05-2013]

 

5,200-dwt Togo-flagged product tanker M/V Al Kabeer (Zad 1) (IMO 8989197), built 1995), caught fire some 13 nautical miles off Sharjah, UAE on May 15. The vessel issued a distress signal reporting a fire. Fifteen crew were evacuated, nobody was injured. Firefighters extinguished the fire. The extent of the damages and other details are unknown. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 21-05-2013]

 

2,112-gt Canadian passenger vessel Louis Jolliet (IMO 5212749) ran aground close to Quebec City near Sainte-Pétronille on May 16. There were 57 passengers on board, but no one was hurt. Among the passengers were 34 students and teachers from the high school La Seigneurie de Québec. Students confirmed that after a brief moment of fear, the situation had calmed down quickly, thanks to the intervention of members of the crew. All were brought safely to shore by a tug. One person had to be taken to hospital because of a nervous shock. Also the crew of 13 was taken ashore by pilot boats and transferred onto a tug on which they returned to Quebec. The ship which was hard aground with a list to starboard was inspected for damage but so far, it seemed to have suffered only minor damage to its hull. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 21-05-2013]

 

4,601-gt Norwegian supply vessel Siem Sailor (IMO 9370070) suffered an engine room fire west of Stavanger on May 11. A rescue helicopter was sent and more vessels joined to assist. The fire was extinguished, and the ship was towed to shore. The fire, however, flared up again but the situation was under control. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 13-05-2013]

 

5667-dwt Chinese chemical tanker Hua Jie 17 (IMO 9608269, built 2011) collided with local fishing vessel or boat off Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province on May 9. The collision took place in unfavorable weather, with strong wind and low visibility less than 100 meters. Five fishermen aboard the fishing vessel/boat are missing. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 13-05-2013]

 

3,135-dwt general cargo vessel Zangan-3 (IMO 7024897, built 1969) allided with a car bridge on the Volga River in the Astrakhan port area, shortly after leaving Astrakhan with cargo of grain, bound for Iran. The bridge and vessel are reported undamaged. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 13-05-2013]

 

7,212-dwt FESCO general cargo vessel Ussuri (IMO 9133185, buit 2002) ran aground in Dzhigit Bay, Primorye, Japan sea. No damages and leaks reported. Salvage tug Lazurit (IMO 8832590) was dispatched to assist. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 13-05-2013]

 

11,530-gt Finnish roro ferry Finnhawk (IMO: 9207895) suffered an explosion in the main engine when the ship was on its way from Kotka to Helsinki, a few hours into the voyage, on May 11. The explosion, which was followed by an engine failure, occurred on the south side of the Loviisa Tiiskerin, near the lighthouse on the Island. While repairs were carried out, the vessel remained stationary for several hours. The Finnhawk resumed its voyage on May 12 and finally reached Helsinki on May 13 and berthed at Vuosaari. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 13-05-2013]

 

35-gt German charter sailing ship Hansine (MMSI: 218376000), a former Danish shark fisher from 1898, was disabled during an attempt to save the decommissioned 12-m F/V Anna near the Sagasbank south of Fehmarn on May 11. The Anna suffered engine failure and water ingress about six miles NE of Dahme. The Hansine took the ship in tow, but suddenly the water ingress increased, and the towing line had to be slipped. The crew of two of the Anna jumped into the water and was recovered by the Hansine. But the sailing ship got the towing rope entangled into its propeller and thus was disabled too. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 13-05-2013]

 

1,660-gt Norwegian ferry Etne (IMO 7805124) suffered an engine failure due to an electric motor in the steering that needed to be replaced on May 11. After serving the Jondal-Tørvikbygd route, the Etne had to be sidelined in Jondal for repairs in the morning of May 12. In Jondal the passengers had to be directed either to Årsnes to take the ferry to Gjermundshamn or to Utne to take the ferry to Kvanndal. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 13-05-2013]

 

3,418-gt Norwegian ferry Trondheim (IMO 9018634), serving the route Krokeide-Hufthamar, suffered the rupture of a bolt on the fuel pump on May 12. The ferry was sidelined at Hufthamar while the bolt was replaced. The repair was completed and the ferry went back on track. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 13-05-2013]

 

Canadian tug Western Tugger (MMSI:316002104), which was towing a barge loaded with steel bars, suffered crew fatality 70-km southeast of Burgeo on May 10. The barge which was being towed from Sorel to Long Pond capsized in the morning hours, causing the tow line to snap which struck him. The man was medevaced to a hospital in Stephenville by a helicopter from the 103 Rescue Squadron, but succumbed to his injuries. The Transportation Safety Board sent two investigators to join the Bay St. George RCMP to look into the tragedy. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 13-05-2013]

 

139-m bulk carrier Xin Chuan 8 (MMSI 413324360) sank on Yangtze River in Nanjing after colliding with a bridge on May 12. The vessel was loaded with 12,500 tons of limestone when it hit the bridge. The vessel collided with one of the piers of the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge, and sank some 40 minutes later. 18 crew were rescued. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 13-05-2013]

 

45-ft trawler Pauline IV capsized in Shinnecock Inlet, N.Y. on May 12. One crew member is reported deceased and one crew member was rescued. Rescue crews from Station Shinnecock, Southhampton Marine Unit, Suffolk County Police Helicopter Rescue and SeaTow responded. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 13-05-2013]

 

49,856-gt, 3,802-TEU Saudi container vessel Asir (IMO 9154531) suffered (presumed) engine fire on May 12. The vessel flag is Saudi Arabia, India-Mediterranean-USA Service, manager United Arab Shipping Company. The vessel issued distress signal, reporting fire, three dead, and four injured crew in need of medical assistance. Arab News reported injured crew were to be taken to Yanbu hospital by aircraft. The fire was extinguished, but the vessel was disabled. The cargo was to be unloaded in Jeddah. After the explosion, the ship could not sail on their own and called tugs. Two tugboats were sent in coordination with King Fahd Industrial Port in Yanbu to provide assistance and tow the ship. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 13-05-2013]

 

690-gt, 24,536-dwt Great Laker Herbert C. Jackson (IMO 5148417) was hit by a drawbridge on May 12 as it hauled 23,000 tons of iron pellets up the Rouge River to a steel plant. The vessel is is USA flagged, manager THE INTERLAKE STEAMSHIP CO. No injuries reported. Police took the 43-year-old bridge operator into custody on suspicion she was intoxicated. She was being tested for drugs and alcohol. At this point in the investigation, it was believed that it was the fault of the bridge operator closing the bridge as the ship was still transiting through. The Jefferson Avenue bridge struck the Herbert C. Jackson as its crew of 24 was taking it to Dearborn’s Severstal North America plant. The bridge was lowered in front of the moving Jackson and is indefinitely closed to vehicle traffic, but must remain open to boat traffic. Officials report this is the first accident in the bridge's 91-year history. The Jackson suffered a 1-inch by 6-inch puncture in the hull above the waterline on the starboard bow. By early afternoon the west side of the draw was fully opened and crews were working on the heavily damaged eastern span. Later the eastern span was partially opened but the river was reported to remain closed. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 13-05-2013]

 

2,310-gt Norwegian wellboat Ro Fjord ran aground at Nedre Tveit in Hyllestad on May 4. The wellboat was able to refloat with its own power without having suffered significant damage as it had gotten stuck on sandy bottom with slow speed. It was checked by shipowner Odd Einar Sandøysundet of the Rostein AS in the afternoon, together with Veritas. It was not yet clarified what caused the Ro Fjord to veer off course and run aground. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 9-05-2013]

 

465-gt Turkish ferry Kalamis (MMSI 271002520) was involved in a head-on collision with the 485-gt Turkish passenger boat Erdem Karadeniz (MMSI 271042486) off Haydarpasha at Sarayburnu, near the Topkapi Palace, on May 4. The accident happened due to heavy fog. Three passengers were injured. The Kalamis was crossing from Kadikoy to Karakoy when it hit the Erdem Karadeniz of Dentur Avrasya. The injured passengers were transferred to land by the fast rescue boats Kiyem 3 and Kiyiemniyeti 4 as well as the Kurtama 5 of the Turkish Coastal Safety Administration. The boat returned back to Kabatasafter the collision. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 9-05-2013]

100-gt German sail training vessel Albatros (MMSI-No.: 211302570) ran aground on the Trave in the Pötenitzer Wiek with a crew of youth trainees onboard on May 4. The lifeboat Hans Ingwersen of the DGzRS-station Travemünde was notified and proceeded to the stuck ship. It was able to refloat the 3 masted 36-m-schooner of 120 tons with the power of its 320 hp-engine in calm weather, pulled it to deeper water and towed it to a safe anchorage for the night hours. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 9-05-2013]

 

1,024-dwt cargo vessel Lam Hong 26 (IMO 8998992, built 2002) sank in the Gulf of Tonkin off Hai Phong, Vietnam on May 3. The vessel became disabled when its propeller had become entangled in an obstruction. The vessel went adrift in heavy winds and developed a significant list. The crew requested assistance with a rescue vessel responding. The vessel was carrying iron ore from Nghe An to China. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 9-05-2013]

493-gt German passenger M/V Lady von Büsum ran aground en route to Cuxhaven off Büsum with 136 passengers on board on May 6. The ship veered off course and got stuck seven miles off its homeport on a sandbar. The passengers were taken off by the lifeboat Theodor Storm from the DGzRS-Station Buesum and taken to shore. The boat then remained on standby while the crew of the Lady von Büsum was waiting for the flood which was expected at 11.19 p.m. hoping the ship would refloat without assistance. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 9-05-2013]

58-m pusher tug Orenburg, connected with barge UDP C-447 allided with a piling of the Mauthausen bridge on the Enns after leaving the Enns port on May. 5. The ships had got too much on the Mauthausen side on the Enns. The ships were waiting to be allowed by the authorities to continue the voyage at the right Enns shore close to its estuary. The barge had suffered bow damage. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 9-05-2013]

 

4,859-gt Norwegian supplier Skandi Mongstad (IMO 9383871) was in a near collision with a cargo ship when attempting to berth at the Hurtigruten quay in Sandnessjøen on May 6. At the same time, a cargo freighter entered the port, and the cargo ship was suddenly caught between supply vessel and the quay. Serious consequences were avoided as the master of the Skandi Mongstad realized the danger and pushed the lead again. The other ship could then pass in between. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 9-05-2013]

 

1,515-gt US-flagged NOAA research vessel Miller Freeman (IMO 6621636) suffered fire on Lake Washington on May 6. There were concerns that hazardous chemicals might be spewing into the air. The fire was contained within the storage locker below deck where it started and had not spread to any areas on the vessel that contained hazardous materials, such as paint and paint thinner. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, but the Fire Department was told there had been some welding activity in the storage room on May 3. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 9-05-2013]

 

289-gt Norcon Oceanus (IMO8964264) collided with other vessels on May 6. The ship, which was originally owned by Norcon Marine Services and operated as an offshore supply vessel, has been chartered to the Department of Transportation and Works and may carry about a dozen passengers. It arrived in the community on May 4 after having been refitted in Clarenville, and had returned on a second trip on May 5 when it collided with two local boats and three floating docks. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 9-05-2013]

 

F/V Riveli suffered engine failure due to bad weather and sank on May 5. The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Coast Guard found and rescued the crew of the Riveli that sank near Gaafaru Island in Male’ (Kaafu) Atoll. The vessel was badly wrecked and sunk on top of the reef. The five people onboard the vessel were found floating with the aid of their life jackets inside the Gaafaru lagoon. Four of the people are on route to Male’ and one is in need of medical attention. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 9-05-2013]

36,695-gt bulk carrier Rio Gold (IMO 8408521, built 1984) ran aground at position 14 49N 093 36E, Preparis Island, Andaman sea, en route from Tianjin to Chittagong on May 5. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 9-05-2013]

 

10,585-gt Antigua flagged container M/V Conmar Avenue (IMO 9483358) collided with 80,942-gt Dutch container M/V Maersk Kalmar (IMO 9153862) on the Outer Weser, en route to Hamburg-Bremerhaven, on May 7. The Conmar Avenue ran aground after the collision. The whole ship traffic on the Weser was stopped. The lifeboat Hermann Rudolf Meyer, the Alte Weser, Ems, RT Pioneer, RT Darwin, Elbe, Bugsier 6, Nordergründe and Lesmona were dispatched to assist. The Maersk Kalmar which was coming from Antwerp, proceeded to Bremerhaven with one tug as escort. The RT Pioneer, RT Darwin and Ems connected to the Conmar Avenue, and the ship was refloated in the evening. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 9-05-2013]

40,594-gt, 1,828-teu container vessel Jolly Nero (IMO 7361233) was maneuvering out of port with the help of two tugboats when its motors apparently became jammed, then smashed into a control tower in the northern Italian port city of Genoa on May 7. At least seven people have been killed. Rescuers searched debris on land and underwater for survivors. Along with the 7 fatalities, at least two people remain unaccounted for. Conditions were reported to have been calm when the Jolly Nero. Based on the few details which have emerged so far, it was an incomprehensible maneuver which could only be explained by a mechanical failure. At the moment, there is no explanation for the accident. The control tower, more than 50 meters (160 feet) high, was destroyed by the impact. Television footage showed the crash area illuminated by floodlights as emergency services searched the water around the tower for survivors or bodies. Rescuers used dogs trained for earthquake zones to search for survivors trapped under the rubble around the tower. Because the accident happened during a change of staff shifts, more people than normal were in the tower. Three people may have been in a lift, which rescuers fear may have fallen into the sea. At almost 200 meters (655 feet) the Jolly Nero has a gross tonnage of more than 40,500. The vessel was bound for Messina in Sicily. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 9-05-2013]

 

34,384-gt Finnish ferry Amorella (IMO 8601915) allided with a dock in Turku on May 7. The Amorella had sailed from Stockholm to Turku on May 6. After the ship hit the quay during the docking maneoever in Turku, the stern ramp could not opened. Hundreds of cars were trapped on the car deck. The vessel, therefore, was directed to another berth in the Western Harbour. A pontoon located between the ferry and the port quay was damaged. Buses were chartered in Långnäsvägen to take passengers to Mariehamn. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 9-05-2013]

Tug Kaleen McAllister (IMO 8981810) sank off Baltimore’s Locust Point on May 5. There were no reported injuries, as everyone managed to abandon the vessel before it fully sank. The tug reportedly hit an underwater object, and it started taking on water. Efforts to pump water out of the tugboat faster than it was coming in failed and it sank at Pier 3, which is used by McAllister. Any damage to the Kaleen McAllister has not yet been determined, but the submersion of the tug is not expected to interfere with any harbor operations or any port operations. It had 22,900 gallons of fuel and 710 gallons of oil onboard at the time of the sinking. A small diesel fuel/lube oil leak was spotted following the sinking, so the incident site was boomed off to prevent any spreading. The vessel alerted an environmental cleanup firm it has on contract, Miller Environmental Group. The current plan is to raise the tug and send it to a shipyard for repairs. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 9-05-2013]

332-gt the Norwegian fast ferry Fløyfjell (IMO 9563172) suffered gear trouble and had to be taken out of service in Harstad on May 8. The evening sailing from Harstad to Tromsø was postponed until midnight. Because the operator Boreal did not find a replacement ship, the route between Harstad and Tromsø too suffered delays which were expected to last until May 10. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 9-05-2013]

 

German flagged, self propelled barge Tauruns (EU-No.: 02323446) allided with a bridge at the Hollager lock in Wallenhorts on April 30. The wheelhouse of the vessel was severely damaged, also cables underneath the bridge. The ship had unloaded cargo in the port of Osnabrück, and the master did not lower the wheelhouse enough to pass the bridge. The ship was detained until further notice. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 2-05-2013]

 

58,358-gt Swedish roro carrier Atlantic Cartier (IMO 8215481) suffered fire at the O'swald-Quay in the Hansa-Port of Hamburg on May 1. About 70-80 new cars which were bound for the USA had caught fire in a hold. The fight against the fire lasted all night long using water, foam and CO2, and was still going on in the morning of May 2. Containers which were stored on the upper deck were removed with cranes. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 2-05-2013]

 

1,532-gt Norwegian ferry Virak (IMO 7805162) allided with the ferry pier at Misten on May 2. Due to the powerful impact, the hull suffered a crack above the waterline. A lifeboat has taken the ferry in tow towards Festvåg. This opeation was delayed due to trouble getting up an anchor. There were 10 passengers aboard the Ferry, which suffered an engine failure when approaching the quay. The captain warned the passengers with loud speaker and immediately dropped anchor. The loaded cars were moved forward on deck when the allision occurred. The ferry connection was cancelled until further notice. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 2-05-2013]

 

86-gt German F/V Sirius - SC 40 (EU-No. 4002020300) called the lifeboat Theodor Storm of the DGzRS-station Büsum for assistance after the propeller got tangled up in a fishing net on April 28. The lifeboat immediately proceeded to the Sirius and its crew of two and took it in tow. To get the vessel through the narrow jetties of the port of Buesum, also the lifeboat Hermann Helms went to assist. The Sirius was then safely berthed at the quay of the fishing port. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 2-05-2013]

 

904-gt Norwegian ferry Ølen (IMO 7633698) suffered oil leak in Sand causing an interruption of the ferry service Ropeid-Sand on the Sandsfjord on April 29. The incident happened when a pipe burst while the ferry was docked in Sand. The ruptured oil pipe was repaired, but because some finishing work still had to be done, the ferry was operational again only at midnight. A speedboat was inserted to replace the ferry, but car drivers had to take the way around Røldal. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 2-05-2013]

 

75,898-gt, 6,332-TEU container vessel Ever Ethic (IMO 9241293) allided with Vanterm Berth No. 5 in Vancouver while leaving the port with two tugs at it’s side and pilot on board on April 27. The vessel contacted the brackets which held the berth’s fenders and the hull was punctured in the water ballast tank area. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 2-05-2013]

 

Ferry Rozina, connecting the island of Sainte-Marie in Madagascar, capsized then sank on April 29. Two passengers were missing. The bad weather was one of the main causes of the tragedy. The ship sank after leaving Soaniera Ivongo, a village on the east side of the Big Island, opposite the island of Sainte-Marie. In recent days, the rotations were suspended due to unpredictable weather. Another ferryboat, the Melissa, was close behind the ship and was able to rescue the survivors. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 2-05-2013]

 

12-m French F/V Jadys from Saint-Brieuc, capsized and sank 12 miles NE of Bréhat (Plateau de Barnouic) on APril 29. The crew of two was saved by the f/v Eole from Saint-Brieuc, only 10 minutes after their ship capsized and took them to Saint Quay. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 2-05-2013]

 

30,067-gt Hongkong flagged bulkcarrier Ocean Breeze (IMO 9309667), was pulled off the beach of San Antonio by the tugs Rhea and Puelo, which were supported by the Caballo de Trabajo, on April 26. Titan Maritime managed to free the ship after deballasting 48,000 tons of sea water, which had stabilized the ship on the ground. Five anchors had been installed on the seabed in a distance of 928 meters from the bow to the west, which helped pull the ship around. The vessel was moored 1000 meters off the beach in Llolleo. The operation went smoothly and was supported by good weather. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 2-05-2013]

 

VESSEL LOSS & NEWS DISPATCHES FOR APRIL 2013

 

Malta flagged river cruise ship Belvedere (EU-No. 09948010, built 2005) allided with the Luitpold-Bridge in Passau on the Rhein-Main-Donau-Canal on April 26. The Serbian captain intended to drift with the current about 800 meters downstream in order to turn around at the Inn junction. but got out of the fairway and hit the steel construction. The ship then drifted towards the river side of Ilzstadt, hit a fairway buoy and scraped a rock, which caused a leak at the stern. None of the 98 passengers and crew who were below deck at the time of the accident were hurt. The superstructure, especially the wheelhouse, suffered damage or were destroyed. The river cruise ship Amadolce, which was berthed in Passau, pulled the disabled Belvedere to the shore. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 29-04-2013]

 

34,3238-dwt, 2,578-TEU German container M/V City of Xiamen (IMO 9374442, built 2008) was attacked by pirates while en route from Lome, Togo, to Onne, Nigeria on April 25. A distress call was intercepted by one of the vessels in the area, City of Xiamen reported being pursued by two speed boats. After initial VHF distress report contacts were lost, it is understood that the vessel was boarded by pirates. Last AIS Satellite signal gives the position some 15 nautical miles north of place of attack. Speed some 6 knots. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 29-04-2013]

 

8,239-gt Cook Islands flagged cargo M/V Piri Reis (IMO: 7916727) collided with 7,171 gt Antigua flagged cargo M/V Consouth then sank leaving two Syrian crew members dead and eight others missing on April 29. The Piri Reis had been carrying a cargo of fertilizer to Nekolayv and sailed from Casablanca on Apr 17. Seven of its crew of 17 Syrian seamen were rescued. Two bodies were pulled out of the sea a few hours after the collision. The Consouth left the port of Tuzla on Apr 26 and was bound to Istanbul without cargo. Its crew of 16 Russians, Filippinos and Polish seamen remained unhurt. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 29-04-2013]

 

2,984-gt Dutch cargo M/V Hagland Chief (IMO:9521344) ran aground between Hunnsøya and Brennøyane off Søgne on April 29. The ship had a crew of 10 which was not injured and remained on board. The vessel had suffered a small hole in the bow in the grounding, but no water ingress was reported. The tug BB Connector took the casualty in tow and pulled it to Høllen. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 29-04-2013]

 

Oil tanker Myan Aung collided with an overseas cargo vessel loaded with cars in Yangon River on April 28. The 17 seamen were rescued by Myanmar naval ship and no other casualties were reported. The incident happened as the Myan Aung returned to Yangon from Mawlamyine after unloading oil there. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 29-04-2013]

 

67-gt Dutch beam trawler Marretje Jacoba (EU-No. NLD197499195) suffered rudder problems en route to Lauwersoog on the Northsea on April 21. The lifeboat Koning Willem 1 of the KNRM-station Schiermonnikoog was called to assist and escorted the vessel to Lauwersoog. Nearby the port also the lifeboat Annie Jacoba Visser assisted the convoy to get the trawler safely moored in the fishing port. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 23-04-2013]

 

NGreek suezmax tanker Cap Theodora was attacked by pirates on April 22 for second time in less than a week in Gulf of Guinea. The vessel was under way and was approached by a speed boat with some 5-6 pirates in it. The pirates tried to board tanker, but like the first attack, failed, thwarted by water protection and maneuvering. A fishing trawler was spotted nearby, apparently a mother ship, with red hull and white superstructure. The scheme of attack and other things strongly suggest tanker was attacked by the same mob. Vessel continued voyage, no injures reported. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 23-04-2013]

 

NAn oil platform on Sengana Chevron oil field was attacked by pirates on April 20. There are two platforms in this area, in positions 04 16N 005 59E and 04 17N 005 49E, which one was attacked, is unknown. The platform was attacked by an unknown number of pirates, two platform staff, expatriate and a Nigerian, were kidnapped. The platform was shut down after attack. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 23-04-2013]

 

4,407-gt Chinese fish factory Kai Xin (IMO 8836027, built 1990), owned by Shanghai Kaichuang Deep Sea Fisheries Co. Ltd., sank after 4 days adrift abandoned, some 60 kilometers NE of King George Island, South Shetland Islands, Antarctica. Chinese trawler Fu Rong Hai, which was monitoring abandoned Kai Xin, reported lost of radar contact. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 23-04-2013]

 

25,518-gt Lithuanian ferry Victoria Seaways (IMO: 9350721) suffered fire while the ship was near Bornholm en route from Kiel, where it had sailed on April 22 to Klaipeda. The fire extinguishing system was activated and the crew gained quick control of the fire. At the same time the passengers were gathered at the ship assembly stationer to be evacuated from there if necessary. After about one hour the fire was contained, and the ship proceeded to Klaipeda. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 23-04-2013]

 

1,587-gt Finnish cargo M/V Frida experienced leaking seal of the propeller shaft causing a loss of oil on April 22. After the oil spill was detected, the freighter was instructed to berth in the North Port of Kiel. It moored at the Voith Quay and was surrounded by an oil boom by the fire department. The water police at Kiel issued an arrest and the payment of a security of € 4250 for the expected cleaning procedure. It was not yet clear when the ship would be allowed to continue its voyage and remained at the canal quay. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 23-04-2013]

 

3,306-gt Bermuda flagged container M/V Norfolk Express (IMO 9104902), ran aground in the Weser estuary between Wremen and Dorum on April 18. No pollution reported. The casualty command in Cuxhaven had command of the salvage operation. The ship left the Strom Quay in Bremerhaven at around and was bound for Le Havre. The ship has suffered significant bow damage when running onto the stone dam at the edge of the fairway head-on, and will probably repaired on a yard in Bremerhaven. The ship remains docked at the Strom Quay. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 22-04-2013]

 

Russian tug RBT-300 (built 1959 Arkhangelsk; owned by Atachi LLC), with crew of 2, allided with a support of the Dvortsovy Bridge, capsized, then sank on April 19. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 22-04-2013]

 

38,716-gt Turkish cargo M/V Yildizlar suffered engine room fire during maintenance work at the Tuzla Shipyard on April 21. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 22-04-2013]

 

4,893-gt Malta flagged ferry Gaudos allided with quay in Mgarr whilst coming from Valletta, and scraped away some of its paint work, while entering port on April 21. According to operator Gozo Channel, the safety of the passengers on board and the vessel were not at risk. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 22-04-2013]

 

6,003-dwt general cargo vessel Volzskiy 45 (IMO 8862703, built 1991) ran aground on Don River shortly after leaving Rostov-on-Don, bound for Turkey with 5,000 tons of corn on board, on April 20. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 22-04-2013]

 

38-m tug Dale A. Heller (MMSI 366963050) lost its barges on the Illinois River at the Marseilles Dam on April 28. The tug lost control of its tow due to strong river currents from heavy rainfall. Seven of the 14 barges subsequently broke free and came to rest against the Marseilles Dam. No injuries or pollution have been reported, although minor damage has been reported to the Marseilles Dam and three cargo barges were partially submerged at the dam. Currently there are no reports of breaches in the dam or surrounding levees as a result of the incident. Flood water was at a record high on the Illinois River and water is flowing over surrounding levees. The captain of the towing vessel did not report any damage to his vessel from the incident. Marine Safety Unit Chicago Marine investigators were on scene conducting interviews and ensuring drug and alcohol tests are conducted on all involved personnel. downstream of the Marseilles Dam. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 22-04-2013]

 

Passenger boat Leao do Norte capsized on the Amazon river leaving 13 passengers dead and an unknown number missing on April 19. At least 46 passengers survived the disaster. The captain told police that over 60 people were on board the boat for the ten-hour journey, but the boat only had capacity for 25 passengers. Strong currents caused the boat to capsize a curve of a Arari River snaking through Marajo Island. The currents were rapid enough that the boat was pulled for over 2 km before it eventually sank to the bottom. The event occurred when most passengers were still asleep. The passengers were heading to the market in Belem in order to buy provisions and sell shrimp, fruit, and acai. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 22-04-2013]

 

38,557-gt Italian flagged cruise ship AIDAcara (IMO 9112789), was caught by a wind gust and allided with the terminal when leaving the Vippetangen Cruise Terminal in the port of Oslo on Apr 23. The ship returned and docked again for investigations. The ship suffered a dent in the stern, also the quay was slightly damaged. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 22-04-2013]

 

6,130-gt Dutch cargo M/V Varnebank (IMO 9213739) struck the stern of 15,980-gt Finnish tanker Neste (IMO 9255294 ) south of Kemi in the Bay of Bothnia on April 16. Both vessels were following a route indicated by the icebreaker Odin when the Neste, which was coming from Tahkoluoto Port, got stuck in the ice causing the Varnebank to run into its stern. The icebreaker Urho checked both vessels for damage and gave them permission to continue to the next port. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 22-04-2013]

 

61,000-dwt Japanese bulk carrier Kanoura (IMO 9642215, built 2013) ran aground in Indonesian waters off Sulawesi on April 15. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 22-04-2013]

 

130-m bulk carrier Chang Fu 6 (MMSI 412373740) collided with 119-m bulk carrier Tai Hang 118 (MMSI 110705142) on the Yangtze river off Shanghai on April 8. Both vessels were damaged. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 22-04-2013]

 

N Maritime piracy reached a five-year low in 2012, with 297 vessels reported attacked compared with 439 in 2011 according to the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) International Maritime Bureau (IMB). The reduction was large part the result of a sharp decrease in Somali piracy. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 11-04-2013]

 

Philippine F/V Maria Ellen, with 20 aboard, sank off Katubao, Kiamba on April 5. CG Det Kiamba and CG Det Glan conducted a search and rescue operation. 18 fishermen were rescued by passing fishing boats; the remains of one man was recovered and another remains missing. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 11-04-2013]

 

German flagged, self propelled tank barge Marlene (EU-No. 04008240) ran aground on the Rhine at the tip of the Island Nonnenwerth on April 9. The ship got stuck on the side of Rolandseck close to the ferry berth Siebengebirge. The ship had on board 1100 tons gas oil. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 11-04-2013]

 

984-gt Canadian trawler Cape Beaver (IMO 7913517) which was being pulled by the Canadian 45-m trawler Cape Ballard (IMO 8006347) from Canada to Belgium being bound for scrap, sank in a southwest storm on April 5. The Icelandic runner crew was taken aboard the Cape Ballard before the other trawler foundered. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 11-04-2013]

 

60-ft USA-flagged tug Little Debbie (MMSI 367030250) sank in Guantanamo Bay on April 6. The tug was operated by a contractor, not by Navy. At the time of sinking, the tug was moored to a maintenance barge. Some leakage occurred. No injures reported. The reason of sinking is yet unknown. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 11-04-2013]

 

70-ft F/V La Rata Bastarda from Seattle caught fire in the yard at Platypus Marine Inc. in Port Angeles on April 4. Port Angeles Fire Department asked for additional units from Clallam County Fire District No. 2 to help fight the fire. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 11-04-2013]

 

Dutch-flagged, self-propelled barge Vios, bound for Bremen with a cargo of steel, allided with a piling of the Jann-Berghaus-Bridge on the Ems on April 3. The fully loaded ship suffered significant bow damage on starboard side, but was able to continue to Herbrum. The accident was probably caused by a rudder failure. The ship was detained for investigations of the police Emden. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 11-04-2013]

 

7,822-dwt Antigua-flagged German freighter Brielle (IMO 9513646, built 2011) developed a heavy list of 20-25 degrees in the Atlantic some 170 nautical miles south of Lisbon, en route from Nikolayev, Ukraine, to Panama Canal on April 5. The vessel is said to be sailing to nearest Portugal port, while the crew is trying to stabilize the vessel. The vessel is managed by Schepers Bereederung GmbH, Germany. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 11-04-2013]

 

8,047-dwt Dutch general cargo vessel Lisa (IMO 9384174, built 2006), en route from Dunkirk to Norfolk, Virginia, became disabled after engine failure in the middle of North Atlantic on April 4. The vessel is managed by Stieglis Shipbrokers BV. Reportedly salvage tug VB Artico (IMO 7613014) is proceeding to the disabled vessel to tow her to Azores. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 11-04-2013]

 

Chinese ferry First Ferry III (MMSI-Nr. 477995026) collided with a barge in waters south of Hei Ling Chau as it approached Cheung Chau on April 5. At least three passengers on the ferry sailing from Central to the island were seriously injured. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 11-04-2013]

 

German flagged, self propelled barge Inga R (EU-No. 02321287) was in a head-on-collision with the German flagged, self propelled barge Sankt Michael (EU-No. 04401900) on April 5. Both ships were significantly damaged, but could be stabilized by the fire rescue. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 11-04-2013]

 

3,990-gt Dutch cargo M/V Ambassadeur (IMO 9361328) collided with 16-m French trawler Loïc Lucas - CN 387642 (MMSI-No. 228118000, built 1991) approximately 70-km north of Cape Antifer (Seine-Maritime) on April 8. The four sailors aboard the Loïc Lucas abandoned ship into a life raft. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 11-04-2013]

 

32,901-gt Liberian container vessel Hammonia Antofagasta (IMO-Nr.: 9399753) suffered a deadly boiler room fire on March 25. Hapag-Lloyd has chartered the Marshall Islands flagged boxship Cape Melville to replace the vessel. It fixed the 2,742-TEU-vessel for a single voyage from Spain to the Americas. The ship has arrived in Las Palmas on Apr 2 where took over containers that were onboard the Hammonia Antofagasta as the extent of the damage to the stricken boxship made it impossible to continue a westbound voyage tied to its Mediterranean Pacific liner service. Two seafarers had died from asphyxiation when the blaze broke out. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 11-04-2013]

 

16,909-dwt chemical tanker Harbour Feature (IMO 9473092, built 2011) allided with the Sarah Long Bridge in Portsmouth, New Hampshire on April 1. The vessel became disabled and allided with the bridge, notwithstanding the attempts to stop the vessel by dropping both anchors. Traffic in the channel was closed. The vessel was freed from the bridge with the help of tugs and tide. The vessel suffered a six-to-twelve inch rupture above the waterline near the port ballast tank. No leak reported. The vessel was loaded with tallow oil. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 11-04-2013]

 

900-ft Carnival Triumph tore loose from the dock where it's being repaired in Mobile, Alabama, on April 3. Wind gusts near hurricane strength shoved the vessel free from its mooring. A 20-ft gash about 2 to 3 feet wide was visible about halfway up the hull from the water and it wrapped partway around the stern. Underneath the gashed area, two levels of railing were dangling and broken. Electric cables that had been plugged in on shore were dangling. Carnival said all 800 of its crew members and contractors who were working aboard were safe. When the Carnival Triumph broke loose, it slammed into the 10,614-gt Wheeler (IMO 7923184), a vessel which the Army Corps of Engineers owns and operates. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 11-04-2013]

 

Tug Gulf Titan (MMSI 369514000) was towing a container barge which caught fire just outside of the Prince Rupert Harbor on March 30. Two Smit Marine tugs were dispatched to hose down the flames. The Prince Rupert Port Authority did offer the port as a refuge for the ship, but the captain determined everything was under control and the vessel continued on to Alaska. Reports indicate up to 12 containers were damaged in the fire. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 11-04-2013]

 

3,605-dwt Russian general cargo vessel Sea Star 1 (IMO 7516723, built 1978), en route from Vanino to China, became disabled after engine failure in Japan sea on March 31. The crew tried to fix the problem, but apparently failed, and on April 2 required assistance. Salvage tug Lazurit (IMO 8832590) was dispatched to the distressed vessel. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 11-04-2013]

 

174,725-dwt Liberia-flagged capsized bulk carrier Aquafortune (IMO 9426427, built 2011), en route from Richards Bay SAR to Zonguldak Turkey, Black Sea, reportedly ran aground off Zonguldak on March 28. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 11-04-2013]

 

7,567-dwt Ukrainian freighter Sirius (IMO 9218208, built 2001) became disabled after engine failure and was towed to Vigo on Mar 28. The vessel was en route from Mariupol, Ukraine, to Brest, France. At noon Apr 2 vessel was berthed in Vigo. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 11-04-2013]

 

39,161-gt bulk carrier Corviglia (IMO 9176747), en route from Longview to China with a cargo of soy beans, ran aground near Rainier, Columbia river, Oregon on Mar. 31. The tide went out from under the ship while it was waiting and the vessel got stuck in the riverbed. The tide came back in and the ship was able to refloat. The Coast Guard directed the ship to find a safer moorage and then wait for a mandatory hull inspection to be sure it hadn’t been damaged. The ship moored overnight near Kalama. On Apr 2 the ship resumed its voyage. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 11-04-2013]

 

42-m Turkish tourist ferry Sabret (callsign TCZZ9) caught fire en route from Istanbul to Prince islands in the Marmara Sea with some 100 passengers on board on April 2. A tug and some 6 rescue boats were sent to the scene. All passengers were evacuated to the Caddebostan (callsign TC5420). Several passengers who inhaled smoke were taken to the hospital. The fire was extinguished. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 11-04-2013]

 

4,865-gt chemical tanker Varkan Marmara (IMO 9458145), en route from Ceuta, Spain, to Augusta, Italy, experienced engine trouble on Mar. 30. The vessel seemed to be sailing under its own power at a reduced speed of about 7 knots. On the morning April 4, Varkan Marmara was passing the Strait of Sicily. [From our Senior Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 11-04-2013]

 

VESSEL LOSS & NEWS DISPATCHES FOR MARCH 2013

 

295-gt German passenger ferry Laboe (IMO 8400086) allided with the bridge at the Bellevue-Pier in the port of Kiel on Mar. 25. A part of the wooden construction was destroyed due to the impact. No passengers were hurt. The pier had to be closed for ship traffic after the allision. The wooden staircase, railings and a destroyed lantern will have to be replaced. Investigations of the Laboe were undertaken and it was found out that no technical issues caused the allision, so the ship will remain in service. Only the bow suffered scratches. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 27-03-2013]

 

2,316-gt Dutch cargo M/V BBS Sand ran aground en route to Koge-Berwick as it was attempting to enter Tweed Dock on Mar. 26. The dock’s pilot boat helped the vessel back into deeper water before it berthed safely. The ship was carrying a load of malting barley. The tide and strong wind contributed to the ship running aground. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 27-03-2013]

 

208-m marine construction and pipe-laying barge DLB Norce Endeavour (MMSI 351927000), flag Panama, operator Norce Offshore, was reported disabled and adrift with 47 crew and staff on board in Indian ocean off western coast of Australia, last known position 29 12S 114 19E at 0600 UTC, some 35 nautical miles west of Geraldton, Australia, on Mar. 26. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 27-03-2013]

 

Fishing vessel Pemika sank in the mouth of the Tah Chin Klong, off Koh Sirae on Mar. 22. Fuel leak reported; there was nearly 10,000 litres, so it took three days to clean it up until Mar 24. The marine police Phuket removed 20 tanks of thick fuel. They laid out booms but during the night when boats tried to moor, some hit the boom and fuel spilled out. All the fuel which could affect the environment and marine life has since been removed. All that remained was a thin film on the water’s surface, which is anticipated to disappear soon. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 27-03-2013]

 

1,524-gt St. Vincent-Grenadines flagged cargo M/V Jago (IMO 8800157) ran aground en route to Brugge after leaving Ærøskøbing on Mar. 22. The vessel was refloated on Mar 26 and proceeded to Svendborg with its own power for further inspections. The anti pollution vessel Marie Miljø remained on site during the refloating work, but no oil spill from the ship was detected. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 27-03-2013]

 

Vietnamese F/V QNG 96382 was reportedly set ablaze by shots from the Chinese vessel bearing the number 786 near the disputed Paracel Islands, after chasing the fishing boat for some time on Mar. 20. The fishing vessel's acommodations caught fire. China claims sovereignty over nearly all of the resource-rich South China Sea, which has been a frequent focus of disputes over oil-exploration and fishing rights. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 27-03-2013]

 

Sheila Johnson (MMSI 367057890), pushing 25 barges, collided or allided with object in the Mississippi River near mile marker 60 above Cape Girardeau causing 13 barges to break loose on Mar. 24. Two barges partially sank near mile marker 57.4 on the Illinois side of the river, another partially sank at the Cape Girardeau city front. The Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge between Cape Girardeau and Illinois was shut down for about an hour as a precautionary measure, but was not struck by any of the barges. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 27-03-2013]

 

1500-ton Taiwanese container M/V Chen Chang (MMSI 416003895) collided with the 2,000-ton Chinese freighter Minguang 68 in the waters of Xiamen-Kinmen on Mar. 25. No injuries reported, but a hole above water line and other damage was found on the bow of the container ship. 12 crew members from the Minguang 68 were brought to safety by a rescue ship from China after the captain gave the order to abandon ship. The cause of the collision is currently under investigation. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 27-03-2013]

 

F/V Shri Raj suffered fire following an electric spark in the engine room on Mar. 25. Six crewmen were rescued the next morning and brought to Okha in Jamnagar by Coast Guard ship Meera Behn. While the crew members were rescued, the boat sank. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 27-03-2013]

 

148.58 gross ton steel-hulled F/V UNI-18 of the YL Fishing Co. capsized, then sank while on the Tumabal fishing ground off the Sulu sea on Mar. 24. At least 33 fishermen were rescued while two of their companions remain missing and feared dead. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 27-03-2013]

 

3,109-dwt Vietnamese bulk carrier Vinacomin 03 (IMO 9592836, built 2010) collided with sistership of the same company, 2,913-dwt Vinacomin 02 (IMO 9573294, built 2010) approximately 25-nm off Vietnam coast, Bay of Tonkin. Vinacomin 03, loaded with about 3,000 tons of coal, sank after collision. Vinacomin 02 rescued 13 crew and 1 went missing. After several hours of searching, the missing crew was found and understood to be rescued, safe and sound. Vinacomin 02 reportedly suffered some damages, the extent of the damage is unknown. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 27-03-2013]

 

Australian luxury yacht Maximus (MMSI 503260600) call emergency services when the boat lost power and started drifting towards Wavebreak Island in the Gold Coast Broadwater on Mar. 21. The yacht was towed to shore within a two-hour operation and berthed at the marina Wave Break Island. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 27-03-2013]

 

Fishing trawler Machmoum sank at Large Chebba with eight fishermen on board. One of the fishermen died and six were rescued, including one in critical condition. The boat sank 60 kilometers east of the fishing port of the city of Mahdia in the Govern orate Chebba. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 27-03-2013]

 

385-gt Australian tug Svitzer Myall (IMO 9317896) crashed into a pile in the Hunter River at the FORGÁCS Carrington slipway on Mar. 20, where the tug was under repair after its previous incident of alliding with a pier in Newcastle. There was no damage to either the tugboat or the pile. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 27-03-2013]

 

175,569-dwt bulk carrier Chou Shan (IMO 9296963, built 2005) collided with 65,800-dwt, 5,100-TEU container ship CMA CGM Florida off the mouth of Yangtze River in Yellow sea on Mar. 19. Both vessels suffered damages, the CMA CGM Florida is reported to suffer breaches in two holds, and in the fuel tank, with some 650 tons of fuel leaking into the sea. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 27-03-2013]

 

British Columbia’s largest oil spill response vessel, the Burrard No. 9 Cleaner ran aground on an uncharted sandbar off Sand Heads at the mouth of the Fraser River en route from its Esquimalt base to the Coal Harbor federal news conference about strengthening Canada's oil spill defenses on Mar. 19. The ship was not damaged in the incident and drifted off the sandbar within minutes after shutting off its engines. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 27-03-2013]

 

US-flagged tug Justice (MMSI 367159080) ran aground in Buzzards Bay near the mouth of the Cape Cod Canal close to the Stony Point Dyke, Warehamjust on Mar. 21. Approximately 350 gallons of gear oil was spilled. The vessel has now been towed to the Massachusetts Maritime Academy and is no longer leaking oil. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 27-03-2013]

 

US flagged tug Miss Lizzy (MMSI 367391930) allided with the Brooks Bridge near Highway 98 east of Destin which resulted in damage to the bridge, potable water and power lines on Mar. 20. The tug was reportedly transiting under the bridge pushing four barges of heavy equipment and cranes when they allided with the bridge. The Florida Department of Transportation has completed its survey of the bridge and has since reopened the bridge to pedestrian and motor traffic; however, the center span of the bridge is still closed to marine traffic until a survey is completed to ensure that no debris will continue to fall and that previous debris did not affect the navigable channel depth under the bridge. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 27-03-2013]

 

115-m Chinese container ship Guang Yang (MMSI-Nr. 413690810), with 14 on board, sank off the east coast of China on March 18. Two rescue vessels retrieved 11 bodies while one person was rescued by a helicopter. Rescuers are still searching for two missing crew members. The vessel capsized around 40 nautical miles northeast of Longkou in Shandong Province last evening amid strong winds. The ship was traveling from the northern coastal city of Tianjin to Taizhou in eastern Zhejiang Province. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 19-03-2013]

 

Dominican flagged tug Lugger (MMSI-Nr. 366967320) capsized six miles north of Cabo Cabron, Samaná, with six people on board in stormy weather on Mar. 18. Four were rescued in good health by the tug Buccaneer. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 19-03-2013]

 

1,811-gt German cargo M/V Lolland (IMO 8016902) ran aground south of the fairway to the Randers Fjord en route to Rostock-Randers, after having been hit by engine trouble before. The ship was still firmly on the ground by Mar 18, there was no evidence of oil spills from the ship. The vessel was detained by the Danish Maritime Authority, pending a recovery plan. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 19-03-2013]

 

3,183-gt Malta flagged cargo M/V Kaisa (IMO 9333462) ran aground off the Randers Fjord on Mar. 17. The ship was en route from Stralsund to Randers to unload 4,200 tons of fertilizer. The ship was detained by the Danish Maritime Authority, pending a recovery plan. The cause of the grounding was not yet known. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 19-03-2013]

 

2,319-dwt general cargo vessel Nova D (IMO 8007078, built 1981) ran aground in the Eregli port, Turkey , Black sea on Mar. 15. The vessel was docked offloading a cargo of timber, and had to leave the berth to shelter from SW storm. The vessel ran aground after unmooring, near the berth, with some 450 tons of timber still on board. On Mar 17, 2013, the Turkish crew of 10 aboard the Nova D was taken off by the Coast Guard Eregli due to an upcoming storm. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 19-03-2013]

 

1,499-gt Antigua-Barbuda-flagged cargo M/V Danio (IMO 9218533) ran aground near Little Harcar on Farne Island off Northumberland with a crew of six on Mar. 16. The Danio was carrying timber on its way from Perth , Scotland , to Antwerp when it ran straight into the rocks. During an inspection of the vessel a one-metre hole in bow was found. The vessel is lying in quite a tricky location and it was estimated to be difficult for the tugs to get in there to try and get the vessel freed. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 19-03-2013]

 

1,044-gt Norwegian ferry Nordfjord (IMO 9251949) ran onto rocks off Rysjedalsvika at Hyllestad late in the night on Mar. 16. The ship got stuck in dense snow fall while approaching ferry dock in Rysjedalsvika on Mar 15. There was one passenger and a crew of four on board. No one was injured. The passenger spent the night onboard. The Nordfjord remained hard aground. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 19-03-2013]

 

2,478-gt Moldavian cargo Nikolay Bauman (IMO 7420675) sank off the Danube delta on Mar. 6. An oil spill was remarked at the sinking site which was drifting towards the Romanian coast. Also the Ukrainian ports Ust-Dunajsk and Ismail were threatened as there were no means for an oil spill response available. The oil sheen has spread more than five square kilometres. The ship had 3,5 tons diesel fuel and 0,5 tons oil sludge on board apart from its cargo of 2.700 tons gypsum. The crew of 11 was saved after the ship sprang a leak 2 kilometres off the coast on its way from Eregli to the Ukrainian port Cherson. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 18-03-2013]

 

German flagged, self propelled container barge Marino (EU-No. 4018160) got stuck with its cargo while passing underneath the railway bridge Elsfleth Ohrt in the Wesermarsch community on Mar. 14. The ship was underway with 20 empty containers en route from Oldenburg to Elsfleth, some of them were damaged. The Hunte barrier was closed because of the incoming flood to keep the water from rising further. The draught of the ship was increased by pumping in ballast water. The falling tide enabled the ship to come free, and it proceeded to Elsfleth. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 18-03-2013]

 

The 71-m Chinese tug eEng Zun (MMSI-No. 413360660) has been declared a constructive total loss vessel following an engine room flooding. The vessel has now been moored at the Yui Lian Yard in Shekou, Shenzhen, to be broken up. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 18-03-2013]

 

The U.S. Supreme Court's January 2013 decision in Lozman v. City of Riviera Beach (11-626) -- setting new guidelines as to what constitutes a vessel and triggers application of U.S. federal maritime law -- is already rippling into U.S. federal court holdings. In the Lozman case, the Court held that Lozman's houseboat does not qualify as a vessel under admiralty law and that therefore the city had no maritime lien rights. Under the new narrowed standard, a floating structure is a vessel if a "reasonable observer" would view it as meant for water transport. Writing for the court majority, Justice Stephen Breyer noted, "not every floating structure is a vessel. ... To state the obvious, a wooden washtub, a plastic dishpan, a swimming platform on pontoons ... or Pinocchio (when inside the whale)," none of these are vessels, Breyer said, even though "they are 'artificial contrivances' capable of floating, moving under tow, and incidentally carrying even a fair-sized item or two when they do so." Still, said Breyer, none of these is a vessel under federal maritime law because none is "used as a means of transportation." Similarly, he said, no reasonable observer looking at Lozman's floating home "would consider it designed to a practical degree for carrying people or things over water." Dissenting were Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Anthony Kennedy. Since then, Judge Paul Oetken in the Southern District of New York has ruled that a dry dock is not a vessel. The Lozman decision also has implications for the offshore sector. The U.S. Supreme Court has denied taking up a case, for example, in which Anadarko Petroleum successfully argued that a SPAR operated by the company was not a vessel. Whether such offshore energy structures are considered vessels can potentially have great ramifications upon the legal rights, remedies and defenses available to those owning and operating these units, as well as workers manning them and third-party claimants against them. [13-03-2013]

 

Vessel owners have increased slow steaming practices in the past three months as they look to reduce supply in troubled markets. A cross-sector survey of 5,500 vessels showed they were traveling 3.3% slower than a year ago. [13-03-2013]

 

NA United Arab Emirates (UAE) appeals court has upheld sentences of 25 years for 10 Somali men who attacked the 36,000-dwt tranker Arrilah-I in 2011, while the vessel was en route from Australia to Dubai. UAE special forces, backed by air force units and in coordination with the Bahrain-based U.S. Fifth Fleet, freed the Abu Dhabi-owned ship a day after it was seized. [13-03-2013]

 

416-gt Philippines flagged cargo M/V Angelica Grace (IMO 9163788) capsized during loading operations while moored in Cabahug Wharf, Mandaue City on Mar. 11. The vessel was loading five eight-wheeler trucks when an unidentified vessel passed along the channel creating huge waves that hit the vessel. The Angelica Grace rolled and pitched, causing the port quarter mooring lines to be cut off and one of the rolling cargo units shifted to starboard side. Likewise, the vessel listed to starboard and gradually rolled and capsized at least 15 meters away from the Cabahug Wharf. No injuries reported. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 13-03-2013]

 

An unidentified motor banca capsized in waters of Bacacay, Albay on Mar. 8. Four people reported killed, including the boat captain. Preliminary investigations indicate the vessel encountered engine trouble then went dead on the water and eventually sank 1.89-nm away from its point of destination. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 13-03-2013]

 

Czechian flagged, self propelled barge Andromeda (EU-No. 9551068) ran aground on the Elbe at Klieken near Dessau/Rosslau on Mar. 3. The unladen ship was running upstream towards the Czech Republic when its propeller got jammed by driftwood causing the ship to drift onto a submerged dam. Before the ship may continue, it will have to be surveyed in a yard at Aaken. Meanwhile the crew is getting supplied by the river authority Wittenbergen by vessel. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 13-03-2013]

 

22,080-gt Bahamas flagged cruise ship Marco Polo (IMO 6417097), with 1,117 passengers aboard, ran aground on its Norway Fjords itinerary when she struck an rock near the Sortland port on Mar. 9. Minor damage / breach to ballast tank reported by survey divers. The vessel docked safely at Sortland and left again on Mar. 10. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 13-03-2013]

 

2,545-gt Antigua-flagged cargo M/V Lady Gul (IMO 9195731), en route from Istanbul to Constanta, collided with the 1,740-gt Comores-flagged cargo M/V St. Catrien (IMO 7928770), on its way from Constanta, on Mar. 8. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 13-03-2013]

 

5,598-gt Liberian flagged cargo vessel Loenerdiep (IMO 9421099) reported engine breakdown one day after its departure from Ceuta en route to Murmansk and was adrift off the Spanish coast on Mar. 8 with repairs being effected. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 13-03-2013]

 

2,658-gt Danish cargo M/V Nina Bres (IMO 9394260) ran aground off Skåne and was salvaged on Mar 6. The vessel left the South Port of Helsingborg again on Mar 9 destined for Karlstad where it docked on Mar 10. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 13-03-2013]

 

Indonesian-registered vessel Budi Jasa 18 sank in Singapore waters after colliding with ferry Sea Hawk carrying 200 passengers, triggering a search and rescue operation for one missing crew member on Mar. 9. At the time of the incident, Sea Hawk was carrying 200 passengers. 8 passengers suffered injuries, of which 5 were sent to Bukom Clinic to receive medical treatment for cuts and abrasions, and 3 were sent to Alexandra Hospital. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 13-03-2013]

 

56-ft towing vessel Justice (MMSI 367159080), owned by River Ventures LLC, took on water and sank in the Mississippi River near New Orleans on Mar. 7. Three people aboard the vessel were able to get off the vessel before it sank. The tug had 5,336 gallons of diesel fuel and 100 gallons of lube oil aboard. A sheen has been spotted in the area, but no impact on the river bank has been found. Divers were able to plug the fuel vents and the vessel was refloated on Mar 7. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 13-03-2013]

 

5,983-gt Togo flagged cargo M/V Toulon suffered engine room water ingress at Tuzla Anchorage on Mar 7. Assistance was dispatched from Istanbul. Crew of 19 reported safe and situation under control. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 10-03-2013]

 

132-gt Swedish tug Rosenberg suffered engine failure in rough seas and strong winds on Mar. 7. The crew was hoisted by a Danish rescue helicopter and taken to Trelleborg, where police and ambulance showed up. Several attempts were made in vain to connect to the disabled vessel. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 10-03-2013]

 

38,888-dwt bulk carrier Royal Emerald F suffered fire damage in the cargo hold or holds during the offloading of sponge iron in Dangjin port, Korea on Mar. 5. One or two cargo holds had to be flooded during the firefighting. No other details available. Sponge iron is prone to fire because it is pyrophoric (may ignite spontaneously in air). [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 10-03-2013]

 

11,262-dwt chemical tanker Harbour Krystal (IMO 9330020, built 2006) suffered explosion and fire in the forward section of the vessel on Mar 6. 1 crew member reported missing. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 10-03-2013]

 

4,421-gt passenger ro-ro vessel Spirit of Fiji Islands (IMO 6817675, 1968) ran onto a reef at Koro Island on Mar. 7. The vessel was swiftly refloated with no visible damages and no leaks. Passengers were taken back to the pier, to be ferried to Suva. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 10-03-2013]

 

2,545-gt Antigua-flagged cargo M/V Lady Gul (IMO 9195731) collided with 1,740-gt Comores-flagged cargo M/V St. Catrien (IMO 7928770) on its way from Constanta to Samsun on Mar. 8. Both vessels damaged and proceeded to Varna anchorage where they were to undergo more inspections. No injuries and no spills reported. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 10-03-2013]

 

32,534-gt German roro ferry Transrussia (IMO 9010151) suffered fuel separator explosion in engine room on Mar. 5. A Russian engineer suffered face cuts and was immediately taken to hospital. The ship sustained no further damages, and there was no oil spill. A preliminary inquiry into the accident was launched and the vessel left Barochny bound for Ventspils on Mar 7. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 10-03-2013]

 

776-gt luxury cruise vessel True North (IMO 9308651) suffered fire off Munster on Mar. 7. No injuries reported. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 10-03-2013]

 

23,658-gt Danish cargo M/V Nina Bres ran aground between Landskrona and Helsingborg on Mar. 5. No injuries, water ingress or pollution reported. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 10-03-2013]

 

2,854-gt Faroes flagged cargo M/V Nordvi (IMO 7704837) suffered crane collapse during ship-shore unloading operations at Tromsø on Mar. 5. No injuries reported. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 10-03-2013]

 

2,478-gt Moldova-flagged cargo M/V Nikolay Bauman (IMO 7420675) sank 12 miles off the Danube delta on Mar. 6. he crew of 10 Ukrainians and 1 Russian was rescued by Ukrainian Maritime Emergency rescuers and taken to Vilkovo for medical treatment. The vessel was proceeding with gypsum from Eregli to Kherson. The reason of sinking seemed to be strong water ingress into the foreholds. The master claimed to have been trying to ground the vessel, however he failed and the ship foundered. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 10-03-2013]

 

19,753-gt Liberian flagged container M/V Niledutch (IMO 9539482) suffered machine problems whilst coming from Namibe on Mar. 1. The South African salvage tug Smit Amandla (IMO 7385215) was dispatched for assistance and towed the container ship to Cape Town . It was berthed at the Eastern Mole on March 4. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 05-03-2013]

 

Swiss flagged, self propelled tank barge Piz Terri ran aground on the right Rhine shore close to the Urdenbach-Zons ferry on March. 4. The ship was loaded with 1600 tons gasoline underway from Karlsruhe to Rotterdam when it got stuck after getting too close to the shore. Ship traffic was not affected as the ship was outside the fairway. The ferry Urdenbach was not affected by the grounding. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 05-03-2013]

 

11,204-gt Norwegian Hurtigruten-ferry Kong Harald (IMO 9039119) ran aground while sailing in the narrow Troll Fjord entrance in the Raft Sound on March 4. The bulbous bow got stuck on rocks, and a ballast water tank was breached and suffered water ingress. There was, however, no danger for the 258 passengers and the crew of 57 on board. The ship will remain docked in Svolvær throughout the day and passengers will be flown out or brought on by other means. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 05-03-2013]

 

436-gt South Korean longliner Hwa Tsan 202 (IMO 8653633) caught fire and burned out in Cape Town harbor on Feb. 2. One man died, another 25 crew rescued. The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SMASA) is investigating the fire and according to local news reports the police have opened a case of suspected arson. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 05-03-2013]

 

144 ,017- gt Bahamas registered cruise ship Norwegian Getaway (IMO 9606924) suffered fire at the Meyer Yard in Papenburg on March 5. The cruise ship is to be delivered in 2014. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 05-03-2013]

 

25.66-m pusher tug Edda (EU-No. 05609510) caught fire on Feb. 28 on the Mittelland Canal near Lohnde due to a technical malfunction in the kitchen in the stern region. The living rooms in the aft were completely gutted. The amount of damage was not yet clear. The local fire brigades tackled the flames with foam and water, the canal was closed for ship traffic until 1500LT. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 04-03-2013]

 

5,261-gt Gibraltar flagged cargo M/V BBC Atlantic (IMO 9352743) was detained at Kiel after policy found the chief engineer intoxicated on Feb. 25. As no replacement was available, the ship was detained until he was sober again. The BBC Atlantic was allowed to resume the voyage 14 hours later and docked in Gdynia on the evening of Feb 27. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 04-03-2013]

 

Swedish ferry Uraniborg ran aground shortly after its departure from Landskrona on Feb. 27. The passengers were transferred to the ferry Stjärneborg after the Uraniborg was taken out of service for an indefinite time. Before its return to service a technical examination, questioning of the crew and a hull survey by divers had to be carried out before the Swedish Transport Administration may release it. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 04-03-2013]

 

3,588-gt Norwegian trawler Malene S (IMO 9622966) was fouled by its purse seine net after the ship left Tromsoe for fishing on Feb 20. The ship was docked in Honningsvag on Feb 28 where divers from the Norwegian catamaran boat Barents Ocean of Arctic Seaworks were trying to cut lose the net from the propeller. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 04-03-2013]

 

Coast Guard Cutter Bear suffered fire while moored at Coast Guard Base Portsmouth on Feb. 28. The fire was reported to be in the damage control shop aboard the cutter. Personnel aboard the Bear, the Coast Guard Cutter Forward and Base Portsmouth responded to the fire. The fire was extinguished and was contained within the damage control shop. There are no reports of injuries and the cause of the fire is under investigation. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 04-03-2013]

 

4,251-gt Antigua-flagged container M/V Mellum Trader (IMO 9204934) which was at risk of rolling after rough weather caused cargo to shift, was reported to be on its way to Broome on Feb. 28 in company with the tug Far Scimitar that responded to its distress call. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 04-03-2013]

 

German Inland tank barge Dobra (ex Hedy Jaegers) suffered an engine failure during its transit from Frankfurt to new owners in Romania on Feb. 28. The ship was stopped by an emergency anchoring maneuver and drifted perpendicular to the river. The cause of the engine failure was a lack of fuel. In the morning of Mar 1 the ship was pulled to shore by a tug, where 10 tons of gas oil were pumped in the two tanks. River traffic was blocked in the meantime. The Captain and shipowner expected misdemeanor proceedings. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 04-03-2013]

 

9,991-gt Antigua-Barbuda flagged Container M/V Herm Kiepe collided with the 15,924-gt Dutch container M/V Empire (IMO 9387425) in the canal port of Brunsbüttel. The accident happened when the Empire into the Herm Kiepe which was waiting to enter the locks. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 04-03-2013]

 

33,277-gt Marshall Islands flagged cargo m/v Beks Halil (IMO 9625798) collided with a smaller bulk carrier while passing the Strait of Singapore. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 04-03-2013]

 

20,851-gt Swedish roro ferry Transwood ran into the embankment of the Kiel Canal between Kiel and Rendsburg after having entered the canal en route from Oulu to Antwerp. The reason for the grounding was unclear. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 04-03-2013]

 

6,265-dwt Antigua-flagged general cargo vessel Mellum Trader (IMO 9204934, built 1999) issued a distress call on Feb 26 reporting vessel is taking on water. The crew of the Mellum Trader spent a perilous night listing in rough seas about 320 km north-west of Broome on Feb 27. The ship was carrying new oil well casings and it is understood a cargo shift caused the heavy listing. The tugs Far Scimitar and Allison Tide went alongside and provided assistance. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 01-03-2013]

 

278,258-dwt capsize bulk carrier Stella Eagle (IMO 9044229, built 1993) suffered two injured crew with burns required hospitalization on Feb. 25. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 01-03-2013]

 

An unidentified tour boat with 15 tourists collided with a concrete mooring and sank during its approach to Chalong Pier in Phuket during low tide on Feb. 26. All 15 tourists on board, and the skipper, were safely rescued. The accident occurred when the tourist boat Darunee was returning with about 15 passengers from a snorkeling trip to Koh Hei (Coral Island). All of the tourists on board jumped into the water without life jackets. Boat operators in the area saw the incident and rescued them. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 01-03-2013]

 

4,500-gt Danish ferry Langeland (IMO 9596428), with 25 aboard, ran aground in the fairway off Tars on Feb. 27. The ferry had got outside the shipping channel due to the dense fog in the Langelandsbælt, reducing visibility next to zero. The ferry was waiting for the weather to improve before attempting to back off. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 01-03-2013]

 

7,460-gt FM Prosperity (IMO 9525417) ran aground a few meters from the coast after downloading 4350 tons of rebar at Pichilingue port on Feb. 26. The vessel was being assisted by the port pilot at the time of the incident. The incident did not disrupt shipping in the harbor. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 01-03-2013]

 

VESSEL LOSS & NEWS DISPATCHES FOR FEBRUARY 2013

 

769-gt Russian trawler Nerey (IMO 8138891) suffered propulsion problem 80 miles SW of Røst on Feb. 21. The lifeboat Det Norske Veritas from Ballstad was called to assist. Once in port, rescue divers found a large trawl bag that had been turned around the propeller. The trawler with its crew of 27 left port again on Feb 23 bound for Murmansk with an ETA of Feb 26. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 26-02-2013]

 

170,794-gt Danish container M/V Emma Maersk (IMO 9321483) -- the world's largest container ship -- suffered water ingress to its engine room on Feb. 1. The ship had just commenced its southbound transit through the Suez Canal en route to Asia. The captain decided to terminate the planned voyage and go alongside the nearby Suez Canal Container Terminal (SCCT). While the exact cause of the incident is still being investigated, it has been confirmed that the water came in through a breach in the stern thruster tunnel. According to Captain Marius Gardastovu, there was never any real danger or panic at any point. The vessel arrived in the port of Palermo, after a 1,300-mile long tow from Port Said. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 26-02-2013]

 

570-gt Dutch tug Holland (IMO 5153462) suffered generator fire on Feb. 22 while at port. The fire was under control within 45 minutes, and damage waslimited. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 26-02-2013]

 

3,692-gt Norwegian Ferry Bastø IV (IMO 8512114) had to be taken out of service due to technical problems on Feb. 26. The ferry remained sidelined in Horten and cancelled all sailings starting with the trip from Horten at 5 p.m. and from Moss accordingly. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 26-02-2013]

 

Dutch dredger Johanna Josephine suffered engine room fire on Feb. 25 while docked at Hunfeld Yard. The fire broke out during welding works. The fire Brigade Delfzijl was called and had the fire under control within short time. The engine room was ventilated and the damage remained limited. Work on board was meanwhile resumed. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 26-02-2013]

 

10,018-gt Belgian flagged tanker M/V Kemira Gas (IMO 9045807) allided with pilings and ran aground onto the embankment due to strong wind gusts on Feb. 23. The unladen ship which was en route from Rostock to London was refloated soon after and was allowed to proceed to Brunsbüttel for surveys. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 26-02-2013]

 

NZ-flagged tug Toia (MMSI 512000070), packed with pleasure seekers, collided with the 90,901-gt Bermudas-flagged cruise ship Queen Elizabeth (IMO 9477438) during the Centre Port's open day on Feb. 23. Nobody was injured in the incident, but the Toia was filled to capacity with 50 people on board. The tug's funnel hit the cruise liner's docking platform, which was about 12 meters above the water line. It damaged the funnel, but the 32-m-tug remained in service. The Queen Elizabeth left the port bound for Papeete. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 26-02-2013]

 

4,476-gt Malaysian ro-ro passenger vessel Fajar Samudera (IMO 8807143, built 1989) sank on Port Klang road, Malaysia, after being anchored in a lay-out for more than three years. The unmanned vessel sank due to leakage, which was caused by the lack of maintenance. The veessel is laying portside on the bottom at a depth of 12 meters, with part of the hull visible in low water. The wreckage is marked with buoys and doesn’t threaten shipping in the area. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 26-02-2013]

 

750-foot Amix Marine Services barge, from Canada, anchored in Commencement Bay was listing and possibly taking on water on Feb. 24. Divers located a crack in the hull and were successful in making repairs and stabilizing the barge. The Coast Guard boat arrived on scene with a Tacoma Fire Department boat to find the barge, which had stacks of crushed cars on it, to be listing. An undetermined number of cars fell into the water, causing oil sheen. Even though the cars have been drained of fluids, residual amounts of oil are present in the vehicles. The Coast Guard and Washington Department of Ecology will continue to work with the Canadian barge owner and contractors to mitigate any pollution threats or navigational hazards associated with the barge. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 26-02-2013]

 

13,246-gt Taiwanese container vessel Wan Hai 162 (IMO 9132909) collided with two Japanese fishing boats in Osaka Bay in western Japan on Feb. 25. One person reported killed and another missing. All 21 crew members aboard the cargo vessel operated by Taiwan-based Wan Hai Lines were safe. The collision caused the two Japanese fishing boats to capsize. Three crew members aboard the Japanese boats were rushed to a hospital for emergency treatment, but one of them died shortly after being sent there. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 26-02-2013]

 

3,843-gt Panama-registered freighter Hua Shan caught fire off the east China coast on Feb. 24. No injuries reported, 15 of the 16 crewmen were rescued, 1 reported still stranded. The freighter was carrying 4,000 tons of coal. The sailors boarded the lifeboat and were rescued by a passing ship. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 26-02-2013]

74,382-dwt HK-flag bulk carrier Yong Tong (IMO 9228019, built 2001) issued a distress signal reporting engine failure and ensuing drift towards Isla de Tarifa, Gibraltar on Feb. 22. The 1,780-gt Salvage tug Luz de Mar (IMO 9320104) was dispatched to take the vessel in tow. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 26-02-2013]

 

Ferry Trans-Asia, with 364 passengers and 72 crew, ran aground off Talisay, Cebu on Feb. 23. No injuries reported. The ship managed to free itself during the high tide and was able to reach the Port of Cebu on its own power before noon. The Trans-Asia 9 was headed for Cebu from Cagayan De Oro City. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 26-02-2013]

 

Cargo vessel Dong Hai No.1 sank in Niigata Prefecture waters of Japan sea on Feb. 21. Japanese Navy helicopters rescued 12 crew, but 3 of them, 1 Chinese and 2 Koreans, died, presumably because of hypothermia. The vessel left Aomori for South Korea, loaded reportedly with some 100 tons of scallop. Dong Hai No.1 is Cambodia-flagged, displacement 296 tons. No other data found. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 22-02-2013]

 

10,384-gt Marshall Islands flagged cargo M/V Ahs St. Georg (IMO 9139634) suffered a failure of the main engine after leaving the dry dock being assisted by two tugs on Feb. 22. The ship drifted onto two pilings close to the Ems shore and finally hit with its stern. The stern as well as the pilings suffered significant damage. The ship returned to EWD and was detained for inspections and repairs. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 22-02-2013]

 

44,234-gt, 876-ft Panama-flagged container M/V Bangkok Bridge (IMO 9463279) was drifting in Unimak Pass after losing power to its engines on Feb. 20. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 22-02-2013]

 

4,376-dwt Vietnam-flagged general cargo vessel Dai Duong Sea (IMO 9579963, built 2010) suffered engine failure in South China sea on Feb. 14 and is drifting, SW of Spratly Islands. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 22-02-2013]

 

12,720-dwt Antigua-flagged general cargo vessel Maple Lea (IMO 9358034, built 2007) suffered engine failure off Nova Scotiaand on Feb. 17 and is adrift north of Prince Edward Island, Canada, Atlantic ocean. According to AIS, the vessel was en route to Skaw, Shetland. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 22-02-2013]

 

1,596-gt Russian cargo M/V Kelarvi (IMO 9123295) suffered engine trouble on Feb 20 while enroute to Ventspils on the Elbe and had to anchor in the Grimmershörn Bight off Cuxhaven in the afternoon. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 22-02-2013]

 

German commuter ferry Nordenham suffered propulsion damage and needed to be repaired in a dock of the Bredo Shipyard in Bremerhaven. As a result, only one ship was left on the ferry service between Bremerhaven and Nordenham-Blexen until Feb 22. The amount of damage could not yet be estimated. Until the Nordenham is back, the ferry Bremerhaven is commuting between Bremerhaven and Blexen. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 22-02-2013]

 

16,879-gt Swedish ferry Rosella (IMO 7901265) plying the Mariehamn - Kapellskär suffered techinical problems and had to be taken out of service for two days starting on Feb 21. The Rosella will resume its regular traffic on Feb 23 in Mariehamn and then operate according to the regular schedule. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 22-02-2013]

 

1,472-gt Antigua-flagged cargo M/V Helga (IMO 8402577) collided with another ship on the lower Weser on Feb. 15. It was hit by a craft which was about to change its moorings in the port of Brake in dense fog. As the captain misjudged the speed of the flood current, his ship veered to starboard and drifted into the fairway where the Helga was underway to Bremen. Both ships were slightly damaged. The Helga proceeded to Bremen and docked in the Industry Port where the police launched an investigation. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 19-02-2013]

 

25,996-gt Finnish ferry Finnarrow (IMO 9010814) allided with the quay of the ferry terminal in Dublin while trying to berth and with the stablisers out on Feb. 16. The ship was holed below the water line and was taking on water. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 19-02-2013]

 

7,244-gt Malta flagged chemical tank M/V Cevdet A (IMO 9474450) was found to have caused contamination when boarded by officers of the Water Police Stade in the port of Bützfleth/Stade to ensure compliance with international environmental regulations on Feb. 15. During the investigations on board, it was found that from Feb 13 to 14, the ship had disposed of 429 liters of pure sodium hydroxide in the German Bight. The loading opeation was stopped, and the ship had to temporarily store the contaminated cargo on board. During the cleaning of the tanks, the sodium hydroxide remained which was illegally pumped off the ship in a range of 30 to 40 miles northwest of Heligoland in the North Sea. The chemical has a toxic effect in tidal waters and is considered to be hazardous. The ship was detained, and in order to secure the criminal proceedings. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 19-02-2013]

 

2,271-gt German cargo M/V Neuland (IMO 9117959), loaded with feed products, allided with the wooden Pier in the port of Breake on Feb. 17. The ship suffered minor damage above the waterline. Furthermore, a boat crane was damaged. The ship was detained by the shipping authority Bremerhaven until further notice. The exact amount of damage was not yet known. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 19-02-2013]

 

1,923-gt Turkish cargo M/V Boca (IMO 8127335),from Varna to Psacla with a cargo of 2798 tons wheat, suffered fire off Canakkale on Feb. 17. The crew of 14 was evacuated and the fire was brought under control. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 19-02-2013]

 

4,178-dwt Russian-flagged general cargo vessel Petrozavodsk (IMO 8933746, built 1990), proceeding in an ice convoy in Taganrog Bay on Azov-Don Canal, en route from Rostov to Turkey with 3600 tons of scrap on board, ran aground on Feb. 14. Reportedly, the master was late with turning the vessel from Leg 3 to Leg 4 of the canal and stranded off fairway. All the attempts to refloat the vessel with the help of icebreakers and later tugs failed. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 19-02-2013]

 

Golden Gate ferry San Franciso, with approximately 500 passengers, collided with a 22-foot-long pleasure boat in San Francisco Bay on Feb. 16. Two people on the small craft reported injured. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 19-02-2013]

 

N17,954-dwt HK-flagged general cargo vessel Safmarine Sahel (IMO 9539365, built 2011) was attacked by pirates on a speed boat while underway near Bonny Fairway Buoy, Nigeria on Feb. 11. The vessel was fired upon and pirates tried to board, but failed due to vessel’s maneuvering and increased speed. All the crew during the attack mustered on the bridge. The crew safe, but the vessel sustained minor damages inflicted by gunfire. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 19-02-2013]

 

560-gt Norwegian ferry Tomma (IMO 7393638) ran into the pier at Vikholmen in Nesna on Feb. 18. Two people reported slightly injured. The ferry had to be investigated and was taken out of service. The two who were injured probably fell when the ship smashed into the quay. The ferry was replaced by the Vefsna on Feb 19. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 19-02-2013]

 

NSupply tug Armada Tuah reported pirate attack on Feb. 17. The report was received by offshore tug Orcus (IMO 9398541) via a VHF distress call. Pirates boarded the vessel and kidnapped all foreign crew. The number of the crew and nationalities are unknown. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 19-02-2013]

 

Dutch flagged, self propelled barge Bever (ENI-No. 02322555) collided with a container barge at the Brienenoord Bridge on the Nieuwe Maas on Feb. 12. The Bever was outbound from Mol to Schiedam with a cargo of sand, while the other ship was en route from Rotterdam to Alphen/Rhine. The Bever was severely damaged, it suffered water ingress, and the wheelhouse was crushed. No injuries, but about 5 tons of gas oil and were spilled. The KLPD has launched an investigation into collision. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 15-02-2013]

 

9,998-gt German cargo ship Cap San Diego (IMO 5060794) suffered fire at the landing piers in Hamburg on Feb. 15. The fire broke out during welding works in the insulation on the starboard side. The fire brigade removed the smouldering insulation and extinguished the fire. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 15-02-2013]

 

N17,954-dwt general cargo vessel Safmarine Sahel (IMO 9539365, built 2011) was attacked by pirates on a speed boat while underway near Bonny Fairway Buoy, Nigeria on Feb. 11. The vessel was fired upon, then pirates tried to board and failed due to vessel’s maneuvering and increased speed. All the crew during the attack mustered on the bridge. With the crew safe, the vessel sustained minor damages inflicted by gunfire. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 15-02-2013]

 

N1,070-gt offshore supply vessel Walvis 7 (IMO 8211021, 1982) was attacked by pirates while en route from Onne/Bonny to Escravos on Feb. 10. 2 speedboats with 6 armed persons in each attacked and boarded vessel, robbing the crew, and taking two hostages with them, Captain (Honduras nationality) and Chief Engineer (Ukrainian nationality). The remaining crew returned to Onne. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 15-02-2013]

 

18,151-gt Malta flagged offshore supply vessel North Sea Giant (IMO 9524073) allided with breakwater at Peterhead port, Scotland, and sustained damage to its hull on Feb. 6. High winds had caused it to crash into the North Breakwater. No injuries and no pollution have been reported. The allision resulted in the vessel sustaining two substantial gashes of up to six meters in length on its starboard side. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 15-02-2013]

 

German flagged tank barge Eiltank 6 (EU-No. 04806410) allided with a water level measuring system at the Hunte bridge in Elsfleth, Wesermarsch and suffered damage at the railings and at the port side navigation light on Feb. 15. The water and shipping authority Bremen investigated. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 15-02-2013]

 

3,086-gt Belize-flagged cargo M/V Amur 2521 collided with the Turkish speed ferry Yeditepe 1 (MMSI 271002471) in Istanbul on Feb 8. The cargo vessel left the port of Istanbul on Feb 13 and resumed its voyage to Ravenna. The ferry moved from Istanbul to Tuzla for repairs of its crushed superstructure on Feb 9. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 14-02-2013]

 

2,446-gt Bahamas-flagged cargo M/V Fortuna (IMO 9051210) grounded off Bandholm on Feb. 14. The vessel was lightered, but initial efforts to free her were unsuccessful. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 14-02-2013]

 

N499-gt Malaysia-flagged offshore supply vessel Armada Tugas 1 (IMO 9293181, built 2003) was attacked by pirates from two speedboats at position 03 41N 005 53E on Feb 7. On Feb 11 it was reported that maybe the vessel is under pirate control, used as a mothership. On Feb 13, the vessel arrived to Port Harcourt. No other details available. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 14-02-2013]

N8,063-dwt UK-flagged British general cargo vessel Esther C (IMO 9410076, built 2008), moving from Douala in Cameroon to Tema in Ghana, was attacked by pirates on Feb. 7. Pirates robbed the crew, stole vessel’s property and kidnapped three officers. Among them were two Russians and one Romanian. The fate of the kidnapped crew yet unknown. Russian authorities and a British company are working on releasing the hostages. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 14-02-2013]

 

4,999-dwt Russian tanker Marine Alliance (IMO 9102801, built 1994) suffered engine failure in the Japan sea in rough weather on Feb. 7. The disabled tanker was drifting toward Okushiri island, north of Tsugaru Strait. A Japanese salvage vessel took the tanker in tow on Feb 8. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 14-02-2013]

 

37,304-dwt Cyprus-flagged chemical tanker Baltic Marshall (IMO 9314832, built 2006) contacted the bottom at Ust-Luga port, Baltic sea on Feb. 10. The vessel suffered steering gear failure as a result. The vessel was berthed with the help of tugs. There were no other damages except steering gear. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 14-02-2013]

 

German tanker barge Schloss Schönbrunn (EU-No. 04807250) collided with Dutch cargo barge Julien (EU-No. 02320761) on the Wesel-Datteln-Canal at Dorsten on Feb. 13. The Schloss Schönrunn was breached and lost a small amount of diesel fuel. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 14-02-2013]

 

French trawler Ty Pierre, with crew of 2, sank off Cap Fréhel on Feb 12. The CROSS Corsen dispatched the lifeboat of the SNSM Saint-Cast and a Dragon 50-Helicopter. The nearby trawler Kallon Maoez recovered the two men from the water and a raft, and took them to Saint-Cast, where they were being attended by the fire brigade. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 14-02-2013]

 

7,767-gt UAL Europe (IMO 9321093) lost four tank containers on Feb. 6. On Feb 7, they were relocated by an Atlantique 2 aircraft of the Maritime Patrol. They were recovered by the 2,087-gt French SAR-vessel Argonaute on Feb. 9. On Feb 11 the Argonaut headed to the port of Brest for further processing of the containers. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 12-02-2013]

 

Norwegian trawler Karma caught fire in Vannvåg at Vannøya in the Karlsøy Commune on Feb. 12. No injuries reported. The police were notified the F/V was ablaze and towed from shore as it was feared that the fire might spread to the quay. The Norwegian Coastguard tug NSO Crysaider reached Vannvåg assist in extinguishing the fire. The cause of the fire is unknown. Once the flames were doused the ship was to be pulled to a safe place for investigations. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 12-02-2013]

 

40,030-gt Liberian flagged container M/V Deva (IMO 9278105) ran aground off Alexandria, Egypt on Feb. 3. The container ship got stuck next to buoy No. 4 in Al Bushazel Kebie (Great Pass), nearly at the same position of the Jolly Amaranto, the wreck removal having just been completed. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 12-02-2013]

 

Cargo ship Al Masoor, loaded with cement, crushed stones, iron rods, and food items sank on Feb. 7. All the six crew members were rescued and brought back to safety. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 12-02-2013]

 

Ferry SM Sarash sank on the Meghna river on Feb. 8. The ship sank the morning after a sand-laden boat hit it. It was carrying 100 passengers, to Chandpur from Narayanganj when the accident took place. Twenty passengers on board swam ashore. Many others are missing. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 12-02-2013]

 

3,086-gt Russian cargo M/V Amur 2521 (IMO 8721478) collided with high speed ferry Yeditepe 1 in Istanbul on Feb. 8. The cargo vessel was trying to pass the waterway without the assistance of a pilot. Seven passengers aboard the Turkish ferry were injured, two of them seriously. A tug of the General Directorate of Coastal Safety transferred the injured to shore. The Amur 2521 was ordered to drop anchor at the Ahirkapi anchorage. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 12-02-2013]

 

1,787-gt Jamaica flagged livestock carrier Alaa 1 was hit by the Turkish bunker tanker Ondina on Feb. 8. While the ships suffered some damage, no injuries or spills were reported. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 12-02-2013]

 

503-gt Dutch F/V Rosemarie, KW 34 (IMO 9152662) suffered fire at the Hal Quay in IJmuiden on Feb. 10. The fire was discovered by an employee of IJmuiden Port Authority who saw smoke coming from the fishing vessel, which was berhthed behind the fish market. The fire was within the forecastle, which included electrical wiring. It was so hot that the assault team of firefighters had to withdraw. No injuries reported. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 12-02-2013]

101,509-gt Bahamas flagged cruise ship Carnival Triumph (IMO 9138850) suffered engine room fire while the vessel was sailing off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula on Feb. 10. The ship’s automatic fire extinguishing systems activated and the fire was contained to the engine room. No casualties or injuries to guests or crew have been reported. The vessel is currently without propulsion and the ship is operating on emergency generator power. The ship's technical crew is continuing to assess the damage and attempting to restore power. Poor onboard conditions reported while the vessel is in tow to Alabama. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 12-02-2013]

40,876-gt Malta flagged cruise Thomson Majesty (IMO 8814744) suffered safety drill in the port of Santa Cruz de la Palma accident on Feb. 10. Five crew were killed and three others injured after a lifeboat fell. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 12-02-2013]

 

Barge with gravel of Dutch pusher tug Lummie allided with the pillar of a bridge near Moerdijk on Feb. 7. The barge suffered a leak and was grounded on the Zeehondplate at Strijensas. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 7-02-2013]

 

22,978-gt Marshall Islands flagged tanker M/V Gas Cobia (IMO: 9451991) suffered propulsion damage off Ushant while en route to Antwerp on Feb. 6. The tanker went adrift and was tossed around in waves of about five meters. The salvage tug Abeille Bourbon was dispatched, but the crew of the tanker was able to reboot the engine so that no tow was required. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 7-02-2013]

 

Philippine cargo vessel Ladylin ran aground on the island of Dassalan, Basilan after its engine failed on Feb. 7. The crew was safely evacluated. The Coast Guard is planning to unload the cargo before they can assess if the ship can be towed without being damaged. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 7-02-2013]

 

Czechian flagged, self propelled barge Janeva (EU-No. 09558004) allided with the Old IJssel Bridge at Zutphen on Feb. 7. The barge was damaged at the bow and berthed near the accident site. Cars were allowed to cross the bridge after about an hour. The cause of the collision was not yet known. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 7-02-2013]

 

5,235-gt Argentine flagged cargo M/V Canal Beagle (IMO 7529017) suffered a malfunction in the operation of its propulsion system due to engine damage that forced it to stop at the Military base in Puerto Belgrano near Bahia Blanca for repairs. It had to interrupt its voyage to the Antarctic while it was carrying fuel and supplies from the port of La Plata to Ushuaia. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 7-02-2013]

 

German flagged, self propelled barge Ursel (EU-No. 04014810) got stuck on the Main and suffered serious damage on Feb. 4. Divers found a vertical breach at port side, and the foreship suffered significant damage. Three pumps were working around the clock to cope with the flooding until divers manage to patch the leakages. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 7-02-2013]

 

2,039-gt Gibraltar-flagged cargo M/V Neptun (IMO 9167978) suffered engine failure SW of Borkum on Feb. 2. The ship had just left the EWD - (Emder Werft und Dockbetriebe) where it had been under repair. The lifeboat, Hannes Glogner from the DGzRS-station Borkum was alarmed, but before it reached the vessel, its crew was able to start the engine again. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 7-02-2013]

 

17,360-gt Liberian flagged container M/V Jonni Ritscher (IMO 9333383) caused gas poison exposure to 14 port workers of the HHLA on Feb. 6. All 14 were hosplitalized and released. During unloading works aboard the ship, workers suddenly felt nausea, eye, and respiratory irritation. An emergency physician treated the injured, who were then taken to hospitals with ambulances. According to initial investigations, the injuries could have come from fumes of bunker fuel. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 7-02-2013]

 

924-gt Danish ferry Faaborg III (IMO 9628647) suffered propulsion problems on Feb. 6. Problems with one propeller which could not be controlled, affected the maneuverability of the ship and the ship was sidelined, awaiting repairers. The departure from Faaborg at 2 p.m. was cancelled and the ferry Katherine K called to replace the disabled ship. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 7-02-2013]

 

3,183-gt (IMO 9325130) Cyprus flagged cargo M/V Storoe collided with an ice flow in the Baltic Sea on Feb. 1. A tank was breached and the ship lost about 20 litres heavy fuel. The ship was ordered to enter the port of Rostock and docked at berth 8 at 6 p.m. The ship was surrounded with an oil boom. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 5-02-2013]

 

Self propelled barge Orava suffered engine room fire on Feb 2. The vessel was anchored outside the fairway and was pulled to a yard in the Netherlands as no berth in Emmerich was available. The engine and rudder were no longer working. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 5-02-2013]

 

Coaster Zola sank off the coast of North Agnifondrano north of Manananara shortly after having sailed from Vinanivao on Feb. 4. Of the nine crew members, five were missing. Four sailors reached land clinging to empty containers after having been adrift for some time. A search for the missing crew members was launched, but none of the victims have been found. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 5-02-2013]

 

16,234-gt Liberian flagged Container M/V Flottbek (IMO: 9313216) allided with the Strom Quay during a docking maneuver on Feb. 2. The quay was damaged, and the hull of the container ship was breached. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 5-02-2013]

 

23,842-gt Liberian flagged tanker Nordic Ruth (IMO 9208473) collided with a motor yacht in the fishing port of Bremerhaven on Feb. 3. The tanker scraped the pleasure boat while passing it. The hull of the motor yacht was damaged, the tanker suffered scratches. The Nordic Ruth docked at the StromQuay in Bremerhaven after the accident and finally sailed in the evening bound for Malta. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 5-02-2013]

 

59,447-gt Japanese car carrier Euphrates Highway (IMO 9604926) allided with the quay of the foreport of the Northern lock in Bremerhaven after the towing rope to an assisting tug snapped on Feb. 3. Both quay and hull were damaged. The ship docked at the North Port N and finally sailed bound for Zeebrugge on Feb 4. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 5-02-2013]

 

1,461-gt Danish trawler Rockall (IMO 9116058) allided with the Storholm Bridge in Austevoll on Feb. 4. The bridge remained undamaged in the allision, but the mast of the trawler with its radar dome and internet antennas and alike broke. The police interrogated the captain. There was no suspicion of alcohol consumption. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 5-02-2013]

 

German flagged, self propelled barge Ursel (EU-No.: 04014810; CS: DC3866) ran aground on the approach of the Goßmannsdorf lock in the Würzburg district on the Main and sprang a leak. High water levels and strong currents hampered the salvage operation. The amount of damage is unknown yet. The water police Würzburg launched an investigation in the accident. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 5-02-2013]

 

10,371-gt Danish high speed catamaran Leonora Christina (IMO 9557848) was delayed due to engine trouble on Feb. 5. The engines could not be started at the time of the first scheduled departure from Rønne to Ystad. Technicians had to be called got the engines working so that the ship could leave the port of Rønne 45 minutes late. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 5-02-2013]

 

Aung Thuka Aya exploded loudly with heavy smoke and capsized in a fire on Hlaing township's Myawaddy Trading Wharf on Feb. 4. At least four people have been confirmed killed and four others injured in a burning diesel- loaded vessel berthing at a wharf near a river bank in Yangon. Some other nearby boats also caught fire, residents near the river bank managed to escape from the incident. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 5-02-2013]

 

7,243-gt Norwegian chemical tanker M/V Rystraum (IMO 9391000) was pushed by a wind gust against the 14,290-gt Marshall Islands flagged container M/V Sandy Rickmers (IMO 9220079) on Feb. 4. The collision happened at the passing point Breiholz and both ships suffered damage at the wheelhouse and the stern. No injuries, no spills reported. The Rystraum was carrying caustic soda from Rotterdam to Kokkola, the Sandy Rickmers was bound from St. Petersburg to Antwerp with a cargo of empty containers. Both vessels were able to continue to Brunsbüttel on their own power and were allowed to continue the voyage after an investigation. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 5-02-2013]

 

343-gt Malta flagged tug RT Stephanie (IMO 9320829) collided with two car carriers in the North Port of Bremerhaven on Feb. 4. The tug was about to pull the 45,742-gt Atlas Highway (IMO 8612251) into the North port when it struck the stern of the 72,708-gt Liberian flagged car carrier Endurance (IMO 9121273) before hitting the Atlas Highway. All windows of the wheelhouse of the tug were smashed in the second hit. A maneuver of the master of the tug, while trying to avoid the first collision, caused the second accident. No injuries and no spills were reported. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 5-02-2013]

 

56,738-gt Italian roro carrier Grande Nigeria (IMO 9246580) was in distress in the port of Le Havre on Feb. 5. The ship was bound for Dakar with a cargo of containers and cars when it was caught by a gust of wind and struck the embankment. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 5-02-2013]

 

German flagged self propelled barge Marienberg ran aground on the Main in Dorf-pro-zel-ten on Feb. 1. The ship got caught by currents, drifted perpendicular and got stuck with bow and stern on both river sides. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 5-02-2013]

 

16,676-gt Dutch container M/V Statengracht (IMO 9288045) collided with 2,497-g Malta-flagged container M/V Katre (IMO 9014937) about 22-km North of Ruegenon Feb. 2. One cargo hold of the Statengracht was breached, the ship suffered water ingress and developed a list of 10 degrees. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 5-02-2013]

 

German flagged, self propelled Container barge Dione ran aground at Harriersand on the Weser on Feb. 1. The ship got stuck at the northern tip of the river bank. Help was soon at hand and the ship was pulled off by a tug. It returned to Bremen in the afternoon and docked ath the Niedersachsen Quay for investigations at 7.30 p.m. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 5-02-2013]

 

170,794-gt Danish container M/V Anna Maersk suffered severe water ingress into the engine room on Feb. 1. The water Ingress was at one of the aft thrusters, where a Propeller apparently has been damaged, and water entered the engine room. The company will now investigate the cause of the propeller having been damaged. The containers will later be forwarded to their destinations with other ships. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 5-02-2013]

 

81,314-gt Liberian tanker Dimitris P (IMO 9565950) entered the Europoort in Rotterdam with a large dent on starboard side in the foreship Region as result of allision with bollard on Feb. 2. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 5-02-2013]

 

17,053-gt Finnish ferry Wasa Express (IMO 8000226) suffered hole in a tank which was discovered when water ingress was remarked on Feb. 3. During the day the vessel was repaired in the port of Vaasa. The first two depatures were cancelled. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 5-02-2013]

 

Two oil and gas production platforms under construction at a southern Brazilian shipyard collided after high winds dislodged their moorings, according to Brazil's state-run oil company Petrobras on Feb. 2. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 5-02-2013]

 

131,771-gt Panama-flagged container M/V MSC Luciana (IMO 9398383) collided square on with the tanker Marlin on Jan. 11, and was towed into Algoa Bay and finally Ngqura. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 1-02-2013]

 

Cargo vessel M/V Virginia sank off the waters of Tawi-Tawi leaving one passenger missing on Jan. 30. The other 21 passengers were rescued. The Virginia, an unregistered cargo vessel with 7 crew members and 14 passengers, departed from the Chinese Pier in Jolo, Sulu and was bound for Sipangkot Island in Sibuto town when it sunk off Tongabakkaan. The coast guard alerted all vessels plying the route to be aware of any signs of the missing passenger. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 1-02-2013]

 

M/V Sunrise, with 32 people aboard, capsized between Tanga in Tanzania Mainland and Nungwi in Zanzibar on Jan. 30. Twenty men and five women have been rescued but seven are still missing and are presumed dead. The presumed dead include two men, two women, two female children and one male child. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 1-02-2013]

 

VESSEL LOSS & NEWS DISPATCHES FOR JANUARY 2013

 

The 59-year-old captain at the helm of 3,505-gt Russian cargo M/V Amethyst (IMO 9549607) was arrested by Danish authorities for being under the influence of alcohol on Jan. 29. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 30-01-2013]

 

Cruise ship King of the Nile carrying 112 Egyptian passengers sank in the Nile River after alliding with large rocks near the Upper Egyptian cities of Kom Ombo and Aswan on Jan. 30. All passengers had safely disembarked from the sinking vessel with the help of a rescue team. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 30-01-2013]

 

4,091-gt Bahamas-flagged cargo M/V Green Ocean (IMO 9001916) was struck by a collapsing mobile crane at the Fishery Quay in Ijmuiden on Jan. 30. Railings were smashed and the bulkhead and upper deck affected. No one was hurt in the accident. The cause is presently a mystery; the crane of Peter van Duijvenbode was not overloaded and technically sound. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 30-01-2013]

 

7,536-gt Norwegian ferry Boknajord (IMO 9599896) experienced bad weather and wave impact damaging two buses on the foreship while sailing over the Boknajord on Jan. 30. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 30-01-2013]

 

16-m German pusher tug Manfred (built 1908) suffered water ingress and sank in a yard in Hamburg-Billwerder on Jan. 30. The technical inspector, the police and fire brigade were notified, but when they arrived the ship had already foundered with only parts of the wheelhouse remaining above water. Diesel fuel emerged from the tanks, but was contained with oil booms laid out by the fire brigade. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 30-01-2013]

 

Swiss flagged tank barge Piz Cambrena (EU-No 07001488), bound for Birsfelden with a cargo of diesel fuel, ran aground on the Main on Jan. 25. The vessel was refloated after the water level was raised by closing the Kostheim lock. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 29-01-2013]

 

1,943-gt Gibraltar-flagged tanker M/V Kösterberg (IMO 9184677) collided with 2,473-gt barge Seeponton 1 on Jan. 26. The tanker berthed safely in Bremerhaven. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 29-01-2013]

 

2,446-gt Gibraltar flagged cargo M/V Nordica (IMO 9171101) allided with two gates of the small Northern lock of the Kiel Canal in Kiel-Holtenau on Jan. 26. The ship suffered an engine failure and was unable to go Astern when entering the lock. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 29-01-2013]

 

4,624-dwt general cargo vessel river-sea type Nikolay L (IMO 7945704, built 1981) loaded with manganese ore, ran aground shortly after leaving Rostov-on-Don port on river Donat around 01:20 Moscow time Jan 26. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 29-01-2013]

 

4,373-dwt general cargo vessel Truong Minh Victory (IMO 9490284, built 2008) flag Vietnam, was disabled and adrift in Gulf of Tonkin since Jan 25 13, last known position Jan 26 00:40 UTC 19 36N 107 04E, some 75 nm south of Haiphong. The vessel left Haiphong on Jan 23 bound for Palembang. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 29-01-2013]

 

4,766-dwt Panama-flagged general cargo vessel Regina 1 (IMO 9071064, built 1994) suffered a minor fire in engine room while berthed at new berth in Drapetsona area of Piraeus port, Greece on Jan. 25. Fire was quickly extinguished and the veessel detained for investigation and survey. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 29-01-2013]

 

3,484-gt passenger ro-ro vessel Aqua Maria (IMO 7419626) allided with the pier while leaving Lavrio, Greece, bound for Piraeus for an annual inspection on Jan. 25. Reportedly the vessel was slightly damaged, and detained for survey. As of Jan 26, the vessel was still moored in Lavrio. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 29-01-2013]

 

German flagged, self propelled tank barge Eiltank 20 allided with a bridge on the Caland Canal at Rozenburg on the evening of Jan 26. The entire wheelhouse of the tanker was torn off due to the impact. The Port Service and maritime police were on scene and launched an investigation. No one was reported injured. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 29-01-2013]

 

Two unidentified barges, towed by the tug Nature's Way Endeavor, allided with the Vicksburg Railroad river bridge on Jan. 27. Both of the tank barges were loaded with crude oil; both of the barges were damaged, and one has released oil into lower Mississippi River. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 29-01-2013]

Cargo M/V Mathin sank 12-km off Kiltan Island on Jan. 26. The crew of 5 was rescued. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 29-01-2013]

 

Passenger vessel Super Shuttle 5 from Cebu headed for Camiguin Island floated adrift for 15 hours in the seawaters off Bien Unido, Bohol after its motorized steering malfunctioned on Jan. 26. Some of the more than 90 stranded passengers panicked and called for assistance through radio station dyHP. At 8 a.m. the Super Shuttle 5 of Asian Marine Transport Corp. was rescued by its sister vessel, the Super Shuttle 17, which guided it to the port of Mandaue City. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 29-01-2013]

 

12,711-gt Russian research vessel Akademik Tryoshnikov (IMO 9548535) ran aground in Montevideo on Jan 23, 2013. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 25-01-2013]

 

4,251 gt (IMO 7391434) Cook Islands flagged cruise ship Lyubov Orlova broke from its tug and is drifting in open seas on Jan. 24. The cruise ship left St. John's Harbour on the afternoon of Jan 23 and was being towed to the Dominican Republic to be scrapped. The Coast Guard was notified on Jan 24 that the tow line had snapped about 12 kilometres east of Cape Race. The crew of the tug Charlene Hunt was trying to reconnect the line. Meanwhile, the Coast Guard vessel Cape Roger was en route to monitor the situation. The Coast Guard advised mariners to be cautious when traveling through the area. Sea conditions improved overnight, but the winds Friday morning were still about 35 km an hour and the waves were up to three meters high. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 25-01-2013]

 

1,548-gt cargo M/V Merle (IMO: 8918306) ran aground enroute to El Ferrol-Huelva on the beach of Torreira, near Aveiro, on or about Jan. 19. The port authority of Aveiro coordinated the rescue of the six crew members. The MRCC Lisbon was notified at 8:27 a.m. and dispatched the Alouette III based in Ovar and an EH-101 helicopter based in Montijo of the Portuguesse Navy. The Alouette III located the vessel and rescued the six crew members. All crew members were transported to the hospital in Aveiro and are reported in stable condition. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 23-01-2013]

 

44,377-dwt bulk carrier Jahan Moni (IMO 9102954) allided with 24,228-gt berthed M/V Blue Image (IMO 9136565) and 31,751-dwt M/V UBC Stavanger (IMO 9287340) in Novorossiysk port while docking, after engine failure on Jan. 20. All three vessels suffered some damage. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 23-01-2013]

 

German tanker barge Beate ran onto the embankment in Magdeburg when entering basin 2 of the canal port on Jan. 22. One of the ten cargo tanks was breached, and approximately one ton of diesel fuel was spilled. The fire brigade surrounded the ship with oil booms and an environmental company was tasked to remove the oil from the water. The vessel was temporarily patched. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 23-01-2013]

 

1,944-gt offshore supply vessel Penrith sank in Dawei district area, Myanmar, Andaman sea, after hitting a reef on Jan. 17. The last known position was 17.01.2013 21:58 in 14 29 N 097 46E. The vessel was engaged in Zawtika gas field project works, attending to a projects’ pipeline at the time of the sinking. 42 crew and personnel were rescued by two motorboats, as reported by Myanmar media. It is not clear whether the boats were lifeboats from a vessel, or rescue boats, or just local boats. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 23-01-2013]

 

N6,330-dwt Nigerian chemical tanker Itri (IMO 8914192) was hijacked by pirates late at night on the Abidjan anchorage, Ivory Coast on Jan. 16. The vessel arrived to Abidjan with 5,000 tons of fuel to offload. Later, the vessel was spotted off the Ghana coast, and then lost, as the pirates switched off the AIS. Reportedly the crew of 16 crew is all Nigerian, but it’s not confirmed. Most likely, the vessel was hijacked for stealing the fuel, to be released afterwards. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 23-01-2013]

 

818-gt American research ship Seaprobe (IMO 7366441) capsized approximately 141 miles south of Pensacola on Jan. 18. Watchstanders for the 8th Coast Guard District received a distress call from an emergency position indicating a radio beacon from the Seaprobe. A crewmember reported they were taking on water and were unable to keep up with the flooding. The 12 crewmembers abandoned ship and boarded three life rafts. An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from ATC Mobile airlifted five crewmembers and another Jayhawk crew from Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, Fla., launched and hoisted seven crewmembers. The two aircrews brought all of the Seaprobe crewmembers to ATC Mobile to await emergency medical services. When they arrived on scene they saw the hull sticking out of the water, and about a mile away, 12 crewmembers were on three life rafts tied together; a rescue swimmer assisted them into the hoist basket. They were covered in diesel fuel and extremely cold, but every one of them was wearing a life jacket. EMS transported three crewmembers with medical concerns to the Providence Hospital in Mobile, while the remaining nine were reported as stable. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 23-01-2013]

 

19,976-gt Spanish ferry Volcano Tijarafe (IMO 9398890), running the route Tenerife-Huelva-Gran Canaria, suffered problems in stormy weather as some of the cargo started to move in high swells on Jan. 20. Several trailers had fallen on vehicles in the car deck. No passengers were injured. The ship went ahead with slower speed than normal and finally docked at Las Palmas on Jan 21 around 8 a.m. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 23-01-2013]

 

1,984-gt Marshall Islands flagged cargo M/V Thamesteel 1 (IMO 8611221), sailing from Norrköping to Teignmouth, ran aground on Jan. 18 but refloated under own power. A ballast tank was breached, but no spill reported or found by authorities. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 23-01-2013]

 

17,053-gt Finnish ferry Wasa Express suffered mechanical failure keeping it from sailing from Holmsund back to Vaasa on Jan. 17. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 18-01-2013]

 

German 15-m-launch, Alfons Stühff, (built 1964 Wolkau Yard Hamburg) caught fire in the engine room during welding works on the Trave in Lübeck on Jan. 17. Two workers were taken to the hospital due to smoke intoxication. They had been undertaking cutting work in the engine room when sparks set a hose on fire. The fire spread under the bilge plating and damaged cables, batteries, and coverings. The fire brigade extinguished the fire which caused a damage of around 30000 Euro. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 18-01-2013]

 

1,552-dwt Chinese General cargo vessel Chun Xing (IMO 8403741) caught fire while leaving Kobe with 948 tons of scrap on board on Jan. 18. The Japanese Coast Guard received a distress call and sent several patrol boats to assist the crew in firefighting. No injuries reported. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 18-01-2013]

 

25,993-gt passenger ro-ro vessel Coraggio (IMO 9350680) allided with a pier in Igoumenitsa, Greece, while berthing on arrival from Venice on Jan. 17. No injuries reported but vessel detained for survey. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 18-01-2013]

 

11,197-gt ro-ro OPDR Andalucia (IMO 9331206) reported disabled and subsequent fire in the Atlantic off the Morocco coast on Jan. 16/17. The vessel was en route from Arrecife, Canary Islands to Seville, Spain. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 18-01-2013]

 

175,181-dwt, 92,079-gt, 292-m Marshall Islands flagged bulk freighter Greta Selmer (IMO 9435076) went aground on the St. Lawrence River near Sainte-Pétronille, Quebec, on Jan 17. The vessel was refloated, then was authorized by Transport Canada to proceed to Sept-Îles, where it is under anchor while transport safety board investigators will meet the ship. The TSB will gather information and assess the occurrence. There were no injuries and no known vessel damage or pollution. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 18-01-2013]

 

Unidentified South Korean F/V suffered fire opearting in the East China Sea and was found by the Japanese Coast Guard on Jan. 18. 3 people were found dead among those that were rescued, but another 4 are still missing. Efforts to find the missing five are still ongoing. The incident took place roughly 100 nautical miles north of the largest of the Senkaku Islands, which are controlled by Japan, but claimed by China as the Diaoyu. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 18-01-2013]

 

1,718-gt Turkish cargo M/V Alican S (IMO 7117072) capsized and sank while unloading cement at Çayeli on Jan. 18. One man who was asleep at that time drowned. The dead radio officer was later recovered. 11 crew members on board saved themselves, two crew members were plucked from the hull by the Coast Guard teams. Part of the hull was exposed above the waterline. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 18-01-2013]

 

F/V Amy Harris 3 suffered fire in the Firth of Clyde, three miles south of Kilmory on the Isle of Arran, on Jan. 16. 4 sailors were plucked to safety by a Royal Navy search and rescue helicopter. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 18-01-2013]

 

3,099-dwt general cargo vessel Sea Blue (IMO 7358638, built 1974) ran aground off Sharjah, shortly after leaving Dubai in rough weather due to engine failure on the morning of Jan 15. Local media reports the vessel is to be scrapped on site, because damages are too serious to refloat her. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 18-01-2013]

 

Indian Coast Guard identified the 14,162-gt Panama flag merchant vessel Izumo (IMO:9414967) as the vessel that rammed a fishing boat off Kozhikode coast injuring three fishermen on the afternoon of Jan 16. The vessel immediately fled the scene after the accident and was traced after the Coast Guard launched a Dornier aircraft and two fast patrol vessels to track it. The three fishermen were injured when their boat collided with the merchant vessel off Beypore coast near Kozhikode. The fishing boat sank as a result of the collision and the fishermen were rescued by another fishing boat which was in the vicinity. According to the coastal police officials, the fishermen jumped into the sea on seeing the ship approaching towards their boat. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 18-01-2013]

 

US Navy minesweeper USS Guardian (MCM 5) has run aground in the Sulu Sea off the Philippines on Jan. 17. The vessel is stuck on a reef approximately 80 miles east-southeast of Palawan Island. The crew is currently working to determine the best method of safely extracting the ship. The Avenger-Class mine countermeasures ship, with a crew of 81, had just completed a port call at Subic Bay in the Philippines and was en route to its next port of call. The vessel is based in the city of Sasebo, Japan. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 18-01-2013]

 

Kenyan ferry Likoni (MMSI:634118000) ran aground due to low tide causing delays at the Likoni crossing channel on Jan. 15. The ferry overshot its ramp on the island side, which caused heavy traffic as commuters struggled to get across. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 18-01-2013]

 

 

6,130-gt Bahamas flagged cruise ship Silver Explorer (IMO 8806747) was struck by a large wave in heavy weather near South Georgia on Jan. 4. The vessel encountered stormy weather with wave heights of up to eight meters. One window of the wheelhouse was crushed, four persons injured, and the ship headed back to Ushuaia. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 15-01-2013]

 

Panama flagged cruise ship Carnival Splendor (IMO:9333163) was damaged by fishing nets near Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The propulsion shafts were damaged by the nets and repair work scheduled for Jan 10 took longer than expected. The ship left Puerto Vallarta on the afternoon of Jan 11 for the two-day trip back to Long Beach. While the repairs were made, the ships’ services continued to function normally. Due to the delay, passengers scheduled to leave on Jan 13 on a Mexican cruise had their departure put off by one day. Their cruise was shortened from six days to five. Passengers received a one-day refund and were given a $50 credit. They were also given the option of canceling without fees. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 15-01-2013]

 

516-gt Bahamas-flagged guard ship VOS Sailor (IMO: 8104113) suffered crushed wheelhouse in heavy weather at Balmoral field, offshore Aberdeen on Jan. 11. One crewmen was reported killed. The vessel was reported to have been towed from Fraserburgh to shipbreakers Smedegaarden in Esbjerg for demolition. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 14-01-2013]

 

28,148-gt Liberian flagged cargo M/V Atlanta (IMO 9131266) evacuated three seriously poisened crew members by helicopter while the vessel was at anchor in the Bay of Aarhus on Jan. 13. The men had been working in a hold but were reported to be in stable condition. The vessel was detained by local maritime authorities for investigation. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 14-01-2013]

 

Dutch flagged, self propelled barge Amandus (EU-No.: 02322992) allided with a pedestrian bridge on the Main in Aschaffenburg on the evening of Jan 13. The wheelhouse was completely destroyed and torn off due to the impact and thrown onto the cabins on the aft. The ship had just passed a lock when hitting the bridge which is spanning it. The 68 year-old master escaped. The damage to his ship was estimated to be some 10,000 Euro. The ship was loaded with two large steel silos when it entered the lock at Obernau running river upstream aroud 8 p.m. The wheelhouse was in extended position to have visibility in spite of the cargo. But the height was too much to underpass the bridge so that the top of the wheelhouse crashed against the bridge. The ship was docked, repairs to enable it to proceed started on Jan 14. The bridge did not suffer significant damage, but will have to be thoroughly investigated by engineers regarding its structural integrity. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 14-01-2013]

 

2,480-gt Barbados flagged cargo M/V Wilson Dover (IMO 9005754) allided with the wall and the gates of the lock in Papenburg whilst entering port coming from Ijmuiden on Jan. 13. The ship suffered scratches at the port side foreship and a dent in the bow. The gate of the lock was also bent. The ship docked in Papenburg at 2.50 p.m. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 14-01-2013]

 

Dutch flagged, self propelled barge Colorado (EU-No.: 02318629 ) allided with the Botlek bridge on the Outer Maas on Jan. 14. Due to the impact, the alarm went off and the builders of the pillars for the new Botlek Bridge had to stop their work. The Colorado was coming from the Hartel Canal when it suffered a blackout when entering the Maas. The attempt to stop the ship by dropping the anchor failed, and the ship hit the fendering with its stern. Construction work could be resumed after an inspection. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 14-01-2013]

 

Lighter vessel M/V Chisti Shohag sank at Alpha anchorage while offloading a steel coil from M/V Ipanema, a foreign flag mother vessel on Jan. 13. All 14 members of the crew were safe, sources said. Deputy Conservator of the port authority Captain Nazmul Alam said the cause of sinking of the lighter vessel could not be immediately ascertained. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 14-01-2013]

 

3,000-dwt Indonesian coastal tanker Tirta Samutra XXI (IMO 9577927, built 2010) sank at around 0300 LT Jan 11, 2013 in position 06 10.30N 109 53.3E (Java sea, some 180 nm ENE of Jakarta) during a storm with wind of some 35 knots and sea up to 5 meters. The crew of 15 went onto a lifeboat and only the helmsman was rescued by SAR boat on Jan 14. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 14-01-2013]

 

228-gt Norwegian catamaran ferry Baroness (IMO: 9473470) suffered fire in Follo on Jan. 10. No passengers were on board at the time. The crew of 3 was exposed to fumes and taken to hospital for observation. The ferry was operating again on Jan. 11. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 11-01-2013]

 

50-ft F/V Neptune ran aground and took on water near Raspberry Island on Jan. 10. A Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew assisted. The vessel was refloated at high tide, and the good Samaritan vessel Tempest towed it safely to Kodiak. 3 good Samaritan vessels, the Tempest, Silver Star and Arctic Dawn, answered the UMIB and proceeded to the Neptune's location. The Neptune crew patched a reported 8-by-3-inch hole in the vessel and refloated the vessel at high tide. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 11-01-2013]

 

2,485-dwt cement carrier M/V Emeline sank at 06-17.74S 118-52.62E at approximately 0300 UTC Jan 9,2013, Flores Sea, Indonesia. Out of 17 crew, 2 went missing during the evacuation, the rest managed to escape in two life rafts. On the afternoon of Jan 9, six sailors from one of the rafts were rescued by a freighter Mahakan River, nine on the other raft were still adrift at last known position 06-22.75S 119-15.43E at 1100 UTC Jan 9. Presumably Emeline sank in rough weather, overwhelmed by high waves. The storm is still raging in the area, such that M/V Mahakan River had to abandon the search and rescue operation and rush for refuge. On the morning Jan 10, authorities sent a helicopter to locate the raft, but a search failed due to continuing storm. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 11-01-2013]

 

6,471-dwt Vietnamese, Panama-flagged, general cargo vessel Agnes (IMO 8116855, built 1982) ran aground in ballast, being pushed by storms onto Cerama beach, Lembar, West Lombok, on Jan. 7. The crew of 20 is reported safe. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 11-01-2013]

 

US nuclear submarine USS Jacksonville (SSN 699) collided with a merchant ship while operating in the Persian Gulf on Jan. 10. No one was injured when the periscope on the Jacksonville, a US Navy Los Angeles-class submarine, hit the unidentified vessel. The Jacksonville surfaced from periscope depth to check whether there was any damage inflicted on the unidentified vessel, which continued on a consistent course and speed offering no indication of distress or acknowledgement of a collision. A US P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft conducted a search of the area and spotted no debris in the water or vessels in distress. One of the submarine's two periscopes suffered minor damage. The incident is under investigation. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 11-01-2013]

 

N41,771-dwt Panama-flagged container vessel MSC Jasmine (IMO 8420907, built 1988), capacity 2073 TEU, was attacked by 6 pirates in one skiff at 1130 UTC Jan 5, at position 0300N 05152E, Indian ocean, approximately 460 miles ENE of Mogadishu. The vessel was fired at by small arms and RPG. The crew went into citadel, leaving armed guards to deal with the attacking pirates. The attack was thwarted and the MSC Jasmine resumed voyage from Salalah to Mombasa. Skiff, together mother ship, were intercepted and captured by Eunavfor Navies, with 12 suspected pirates on board. Crew 21: 20 Ukrainians, 1 Russian. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 11-01-2013]

 

Danish dredger Jette Saj capsized and sank on Jan 10 around 6 p.m. at Lindø, while attempting to unload a cargo of sludge. A crane operator on the dredger escaped from drowning when the ship capsized off the former Odense Steel Shipyard. The master escaped from the wheelhouse and was able to climb onto the hull, but the crane operator was trapped in his glass cage, which submerged. He got out by smashing a window and swam to the surface. Both were taken to the Odense Hospital. The sheerleg Samson was called from Aarhus to raise the wreck on Jan 11. The partially submerged ship was boomed off, as it contained 8000 liters of diesel oil and a few hundred liters of lubricating and hydraulic oil, of which some amounts leaked. The Emergency Management Agency of South Jutland was called to contain the oil spill. The salvage operation took place without further leakage of oil. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 11-01-2013]

 

324-gt F/V Ljubica M. (IMO: 6920240, built 1969), flag Ecuador, issued a distress signal some 67 miles from Isabela Islands, Galapagos Islands, Pacific, on Jan. 6. Vessel reported fire on board. 20 crew was rescued by vessel Robert A, to be taken to port of Manta, Ecuador. Ljubica M. reportedly sank in the marine reserve area. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 11-01-2013]

 

F/V Nicole sank about 80-nm southwest of Walvis Bay. The 14 crew members on board escaped without injury with the assistance of vessel Aldubara of Tunacor, that was in the vicinity when a SOS was signaled. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 11-01-2013]

 

15-m Irish trawler Coral Strand – S 234, with a crew of 4, ran aground off Hook Head in the County of Wexford on Jan. 8. The crew issued a Mayday alert as the timber hulled trawler began taking in water, when they decided to abandon the vessel and take a life raft. The men were picked up shortly afterward by trawler, Boy River, which had been fishing in the area. The vessel cannot be salvaged and is expected to break up, leading to some fuel and debris pollution in the area in the next few days. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 11-01-2013]

 

Trawler Sudu Ruwan 2 suffered an engine room fire off Trincomalee on Jan 8. In response to a request made by the crew, a fast Naval craft was immediately sent to the location for the rescue of the crew. The Sudu Ruwan 2 was towed to Trincomalee Harbour for repairs with the assistance of the Sri Lanka Naval ship Jagatha, after extinguishing the fire onboard. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 11-01-2013]

 

German flagged self propelled barge Getan drifted perpendicular to the Main off the lock Randersacker got caught in strong currents, lost control and allided with a dam of the lock port side and remained stuck between dam and lock on Jan. 9. The Kilian tried to take the disabled ship alongside, but during this maneuver, the engine of this ship broke down. Thus, the Kilian also was stuck in the drainage area of the lock. The water police took over the investigation. The two barges were finally saved by the workboat Pleichach of the Water and Shipping Office Schweinfurt which happened to be nearby and was able to take the two ships in tow. After about 20 minutes the Main was free again. After repairs, the Kilian could continue, while the Getan suffered damage to its steering gear and was unable to proceed. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 11-01-2013]

 

Romanian flagged, self propelled barge Euroship 1 (EU-No.: 06002280), carrying a cargo of steel components, ran aground near Medvénél in the Slovak section of the Danube river on Jan. 9. The cargo had shifted so that the vessel tilted to the port side. As the ships’ electrical system also was damaged, rescue units first had problems to localize the ship. The accident had damaged the hull. The crew of two stayed on board and were not injured. A pusher tug tried to refloat the casualty which was not in immediate danger. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 11-01-2013]

 

High-speed ferry Seastreak, with 326 passengers and 5 crew aboard, allided with a pier near Wall Street, New York, at Jan 9. The impact resembled a car crash, ferry hit pier at a speed of 10-12 knots. Reports of the number of injured people are still confused, latest say 75 or 85 people were injured, one in critical condition, nine treated with serious injures. USCG has already launched investigation, suspecting mechanical failure. The ferrys’ captain wasn’t found to be under drug or alcohol influence. The ferry suffered a hole and dents at the bow. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 11-01-2013]

 

F/V Calypso sank in Haderslev Harbour on Jan. 9. The wreck started leaking oil, so Falck has started to help Haderslev Fire and Rescue to get tackled the oil spill which was 150 meters out of the Haderslev Fjord. Already at the end of 2012 the old fishing boat Calypso sank to the bottom of the harbor. It sank just before New Year. It is the second time the cutter sank in the harbor. It was eventually recovered from the bottom of the harbor on 3 January 2011, after the ice had torn a hole in the hull. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 11-01-2013]

 

Disabled German flagged self propelled barge Getan (EU-No.: 4401210) suffered a gas leak while being docked at the Main lock in Randersacker, Würzburg community on Jan. 10. After boarding the ship, police detected a strong smell in a cabin and measured a high ammonia-concentration. The fire rescue was called and sealed the rooms. The ship will next have to be unloaded and then taken to a yard where the rooms also will be ventilated. There was no danger of an explosion. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 11-01-2013]

 

1,263-gt St. Kitts-Nevis Registered cargo M/V Sunny Maria (IMO: 7734545) was detained while sailing to Kaliningrad on Jan. 6 because the captain was heavily intoxicated. It was stopped north of Hornbaek. The Captain was so drunk that he couldn’t complete an alcohol test. The ship was spotted lurching around and contact was attempted by VHF. Officers went aboard after the vessel had dropped anchor. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 08-01-2013]

 

The 60-year-old Russian captain of 1,263-gt St. Kitts-Nevis registered cargo M/V Sunny Maria (IMO: 7734545) was sentenced to 30 days prison on Jan 7 by the Court of Helsingor. Moreover, he is facing his deportation from Denmark and a travel ban of six years. He was also disqualified from acting as captain, mate, or engineer, on a ship in Danish waters for one year. On the evening of Jan 6, he had threatened to run the Sunny Maria aground with a BAC of 2,75, which was proved by a blood sample. The Danish SOK had tried several times in vain to contact him over the radio. On the morning of Jan 8, the Sunny Maria had resumed its voyage and was north of Bornholm, bound for Kaliningrad. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 08-01-2013]

 

1,483-gt Gibraltar flagged cargo M/V Vestvind (IMO:8209743) ran aground in the Svendborg Sound, enroute to Mariager-Svendborg on Jan. 6. The ship was freed the same day with the help of a tug and was meanwhile detained in Svendborg 6- Jan. 2013. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 08-01-2013]

 

Dutch flagged, self propelled barge Gratias (EU-No.: 02329233), loaded with 2300 tons corn and enroute from Germany to Zwolle, ran aground on a crib on the Ijssel at Brummen on Jan 3. Attempts to refloat the ship failed, and on Jan 4 the crane ship Misti 2 was called to lighter a part of the cargo onto another ship. At 3:30 p.m. the Gratias could be refloated. Ships were allowed to pass the grounding site in one-way-traffic until the vessel was removed. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 08-01-2013]

 

F/V Harvest Gardenia sank 60-nm south of Cape Agulhas on Jan. 1. All crew were taken onboard other vessels in the area that had come to her assistance. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 08-01-2013]

 

851-gt Philippines flagged Ro-ro Ferry Zamboanga (IMO 7377660, built 1974) ran aground in the Dumaguete port area, Leyte Island, Philippines, Sulu sea, at around 1000 LT, due to strong wind brought by tropical depression Auring on Jan. 3. Vessel arrived to Dumaguete from Zamboanga with 200 passengers on board. All passengers were successfully landed from the grounded vessel, but landing was rather dramatic. Vessel was holed in the bottom. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 08-01-2013]

 

27,093-gt Liberian flagged container M/V Auguste Schulte (IMO:9231169) ran aground east of Male on Jan. 7. The Maldives Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has begun to assess the damage caused to the reef. A team from the agency along with the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has begun to assess the damage while an estimate can only be given after the initial assessment is completed. The Auguste Schulte ran aground near Male just past sunset after it arrived from Sri Lanka when it tried to turn back after setting course to enter the Male harbor. Maldives Ports Limited insisted that the ship had attempted to enter the harbor before the pilot vessel had reached the area. The Transport Authority estimated that the damage to the reef could be quite extensive and stressed that the ship’s agent must take full responsibility for the incident. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 08-01-2013]

 

9,800-dwt Malaysia flagged Heavylift vessel PWP 1 (IMO 8111790, built 1982) suffered engine failure in the South China sea off Sanya port, South of Hainan island while en route from Singapore to Guangzhou on Jan. 5. An assistance tug was dispatched from Sanya, and on Jan 6 PWP 1 was towed to Sanya. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 08-01-2013]

 

69,636-dwt Marshall Islands flagged crude oil tanker Overseas Reymar (IMO 9275749, built 2004), contacted the Bay Bridge tower 6, San Francisco Bay, at around 1120 LT on Jan 7. Local media reported, that the vessel was sailing from the Shell refinery at Martinez, according to the ship's course, and track shown on vessel tracking websites. It headed south, past Alcatraz, then sailed under the Bay Bridge, did a U-turn and sailed back north, hitting a bridge tower. It then came to rest off Treasure Island. Tanker in ballast was heading outbound. The tanker contacted the Bridge’s tower when passing under the bridge the first time. Then presumably, the vessel was directed to proceed to anchorage area off Alcatraz, made an U-turn and moved to anchorage. Media says vessel passed under the bridge, then made an U-turn and passed under the bridge again, contacting the tower. Bridge tower suffered some damage, but not serious, said the authorities. Besides, tanker hit not the tower construction itself, but buffering construction built to protect structural framework. Tanker suffered some scratches and dents, seemingly and reportedly nothing serious. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 08-01-2013]

6,261-gt Norwegian flagged Hurtigruten ferry VesterDlen (IMO:8019368) lost engine power and hit the terminal in Bergen with great power when entering port coming from Floroe on Jan. 8. The walkway to the terminal broke down and suffered major damage. The ferry came in too fast after the propulsion failed to reverse and slammed into the quay and the glass footbridge. The entire terminal building shook for several seconds so that witnesses thought it was an earthquake. The bow of the ferry suffered a gash of one meter in width in the bow. About 3,000 gallons of hydraulic fluid from the gangway have leaked into the sea. The fire department laid out oil booms to capture the hydraulic oil. After the collision the ship slowly backed out and was sidelined at the pier. No injuries have been reported. There was thick fog and just a few meters sight when the accident happened. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 08-01-2013]

 

Fishing vessel Harvest Gardenia sank 60 nm south of Cape Agulhas on Jan. 1. All crew were taken onboard other vessels in the area that had come to her assistance on 1-Jan. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 03-01-2013]

 

The Ramai Dua sank after being swept by strong waves on Dec. 24. She was carrying 14,000 liters of diesel fuel. A special salvage contractor is being sought by the ship owners. The vessel is almost completely submerged. Diesel leaked from the engine room was "minor." Seven crewman aboard were rescued by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency on 24-Dec. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 03-01-2013]

 

39-ft crab boat Robert Henry ran aground 400 yards off Cape Arago in Coos Bay, Oregon on Jan. 2. The U.S. Coast Guard was alerted and is working with the vessel owner on a salvage plan. The vessel is said to have 4000 lbs. of catch and 400 gallons of fuel on board. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 03-01-2013]

 

The unloaded 1,535-dwt Sinan Naiboglu (IMO 7721976, built 1979) dragged an anchor at Kartal Anchorage in Marmara sea, at Kartal Demir Yerinde near Istanbul,enroute to Berdyansky at 08.30 a.m. on Jan 1, 2012, being in danger of grounding. The Vessel Traffic Center Istanbul dispatched lifeboats as well as the tug Söndüren 7, which pulled the ship to Maltepe and which docked there on Jan. 2. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 03-01-2013]

 

8,300-dwt Antigua flagged general cargo vessel Botnia (IMO: 9418286, built 2008) suffered a problem with her steering gear off Malta on Dec. 29 and was towed to Valetta Grand Harbor. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 03-01-2013]

 

3,346-dwt Cambodia flagged general cargo vessel Sormovskiy-119 (IMO: 8035154), suffered a hole in her rudder compartment while traveling through ice in a convoy on Dec. 26. The 50mm hole was patched and the vessel continued on to Samsun, Turkey. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 02-01-2013]

 

Iranian cargo ship Al Jasourah, carrying a load of barrels, sank 10 nm off the coast of Umm Al Quwain on Dec. 28. The ship sank in heavy weather, but all 6 crew were rescued. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 02-01-2013]

 

Shell's drill rig Kulluk grounded on Sitkalidak Island -- near Kodiak Island -- on Dec. 31 after repeated failures to tow it in rough seas from Dutch Harbor to Seattle. The Kulluk was one of two drilling vessels deployed for a short fall season of drilling in Alaska's Chukchi and Beaufort seas. The incident -- the latest problem plaguing Shell's Arctic drilling efforts in 2012 -- began on Dec. 27 when the Kulluk lost its towline to the tug boat Aiviq. The towline was reattached but according to the US Coast Guard, the Aiviq "subsequently experienced total engine failure casting both Aiviq and Kulluk adrift in the heavy seas and strong winds." Multiple efforts to safely tow the Kulluk failed and it ultimately grounded on Monday night. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 02-01-2013]

 

5,998-gt Singapore flagged cargo M/V BSLE Sunrise (IMO: 9017628) left the Port of Klaipeda after completion of repairs from grounding damage near Valencia and continued on to Antwerp 26-Dec. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 02-01-2013]

 

998-gt Panama flagged Fairmount Fuji (IMO: 915668) has reached Walvis Bay for repairs after suffering fire damage in the engine room on 19-Dec. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 02-01-2013]

 

295-gt Dutch flagged work boat Yogi (IMO: 9479785) reported two injured crew members when a connector from the anchor chain came loose on Jan. 1. The crew members were medevaced. One member of the crew suffered broken toes, while the other had a double fracture of the leg. They were taken to the hospital on 1-Jan. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 02-01-2013]

 

Belgian flagged tank barge Pallas (EU-No.: B06004160) collided with a bridge in Hasselt on the Zwarte River on Jan. 1. Hydraulics in the wheelhouse failed, so it could not be lowered and was completely destroyed. An attempt to slow down in time failed. The ship was carrying 2,300 tons of diesel fuel. The captain and two other crew members were not injured. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 02-01-2013]

 

45,345-dwt South Korean flagged abandoned bulk carrier OSM Arena (IMO: 8411334) was pushed ashore by a storm in Chennai area on Dec. 30. 22 months ago, the vessel was arrested. The vessel was not able to brace for the storm because of engine failure. 12 Burmese crewmen were still aboard. Authorities say the engines can be repaired. The crew has been aboard for 22 months since the vessel was arrested because of a dispute between the cargo owner and the ship owner. The International Federation of Transport Workers has been providing the crew with food and assistance. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 02-01-2013]

 

A ferry boat collided with another vessel off Lamu Island in Kenya on Jan. 1. The ferry then capsized. 20 passengers have been rescued and 7 bodies recovered. The total number of passengers aboard is unknown. No details on the vessels was available. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 02-01-2013]

 

3,910-dwt Philippines flagged general cargo vessel Ocean Legacy (IMO: 8505123, built 1985), grounded after developing a list next to a pier on Dec. 29. The reason for the list was unknown. It is believed the vessel was already unstable and capsized when a heavy loaded container was lifted by the ship’s crane. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 02-01-2013]

 

717-dwt Bangladesh flagged tanker Nasihat (IMO: 8135186) collided with the Chittagong Boat Club jetty on Dec. 30. Damage suffered was a hole allowing a half ton of diesel or kerosine to leak out. The hole was patched and the fuel spilled cleaned up. Another tanker took on the remaining oil. Master error is believed to the cause. [From our senior correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 02-01-2013]