Shipwreck Log

On November 8, the 182 meter long, 26000 dwt container vessel Cafer Dede went aground on the Island of Syros, Greece.  The cause of the grounding is a mystery.  At the time of the incident, the weather was calm and there was good visibility.   There were no injuries to the 19 crewmen on board.  Greek authorities are concern that the Cafer Dede could cause an environmental disaster like the Rena which went aground a month ago off New Zealand.   Two tugs are on site and oil booms have been placed around the vessel.   Current reports state there is no signs of leaks or pollution being released.   The Cafer Dede had been scheduled to sail between Salerno, Italy and Port of Izmir, Turkey.

The 183 meter long, 37106 dwt tanker Elbtank Italy became disabled on the Kiel Canal near Fischerhutte, Germany.   The tanker had suffered rudder failure and allied into the pilings along the southern bank sinking three and damaging another four.   The Elbtank Italy proceeded to Kiel where it awaits inspection.   The tanker was scheduled to sail from Rotterdam to St. Petersburg, Russia.  No reports of injuries or pollution being released.

The 190 meter long self-propelled barge Straubing with it’s connected barge SL 18005 went aground on the Danube River near Deggendorf, Germany.  The vessels had been at anchor and was proceeding to turn around and head downstream when they got stuck.  The vessels were disconnected and were refloated the same day.  The Straubing suffered some minor damage when rocks clogged the bow thruster after the grounding.   The two vessels had a combined cargo of 700 tons of iron ore.  No reports of injuries or pollution being released.

The 100 meter long self-propelled barge Duernstein grounded onto a sunken wreck on the Danube River near Regelsbrunn, Austria.  The Duernstein with an attached barge struck a vessel than sank in November 2010.  Authorities have stated the wreck was to be dismantled in January 2012 as it poses a risk to navigation.  Initially, the sunken vessel was to be raised, but it will be cut into several sections.   The Duernstein will be salvaged when the river level rises to allow the vessel to pull free without risk of puncturing the hull.  No reports of injuries or pollution being released.  The location of the wreck is in the Danube-Auen National Park.