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Day: November 3, 2011

Red Sea Disaster Averted

Red Sea Disaster Averted

 

The 148 meter long, 2248 dwt ro-ro ferry Pella caught fire and sank off Aqaba, Jordan.  The Pella loaded with 1229 passengers was headed for Nuweiba, Egypt from Aqaba.  Reports state a fire broke out and quickly got out of control.   The Pella’s crew sent out a distress signal and requested passengers go to the lifeboats until rescuers would arrive.  Authorities dispatched a tug and another ferry to the scene while naval vessels and military aircraft aided in the rescue effort.  Reports state all passengers except one were safely escaped and were rescued.  The one passenger jumped overboard and drowned.    Several passengers had slight injuries or suffered from smoke inhalation.   Damage from the fire is extensive and the ferry has suffered flooding.   The fire started in the ferry’s cargo section.


Photo by Reuters

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Vincent

Vincent

The 63 meter long self-propelled barge Vincent sank on the Spaarne River while at Haarlem, Netherlands.  The Vincent, loaded with a full cargo of sand, suffered a large crack in the hull allowing water ingress.  The crew contacted the local firefighters who attempted to dewater the vessel with pumps.  However, the water ingress was too great and the Vincent sank.  Divers were able to make temporary repairs and the vessel was raised the next day.  The cargo of sand was transferred to another vessel to allow the Vincent to be taken to a shipyard.  The cause of the crack was most likely from an earlier grounding.   No reports of injuries.

Video at www.zie.nl

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