Shipwreck Log

Photo: USCG

The 38 foot long fishing vessel Southern Comfort ran aground while proceeding through Barnegat Light Inlet, New Jersey.  The vessel had struck the rocks and suffered water ingress.   The six people on board quickly alerted the Coast Guard before abandoning into the ship’s life raft before the fishing vessel sank.  The Coast Guard dispatched to rescue boats to the scene and rescued all six people safely. No reports of injuries.   The Southern Comfort sank with 350 gallons of diesel fuel on board which is a concern for possible release of pollution into the water.

Photo: USCG

photo: trawlerphotos.co.uk

The 17 meter long fishing vessel Royal Sovereign became disabled while approaching the harbour at Sovereign, England.  The trawler had suffered a malfunction with its steering.  The vessel contacted the RNLI requesting assistance.   The RNLI all-weather lifeboat was dispatched and took the Royal Sovereign under tow.   The vessels proceeded into the harbour where the trawler safely moored.  No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.

photo: trawlerphotos.co.uk

The 89 meter long, 2831 dwt freighter Mersa 2 ran aground at Elba Island, Italy.  The freighter departed from Marina di Carrara, for Algeria with a cargo of iron rods when it ran ashore during the night on the island.  The starboard bow suffered an 1-meter wide hole when the Mersa 2 ran onto the rocky shore.  No reports of injuries or pollution released.  Authorities dispatched several vessels to the scene to monitor the situation and set booms around the vessel to limit any potential pollution.   Two salvage tugs arrived later and pulled the Mersa 2 back into deeper water.   The tugs kept the Mersa 2 under tow to the port of Livorno where repairs could be made.   Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

The 163 meter long, 2642 dwt passenger ship Ocean Countess became disabled shortly after leaving Liverpool, United Kingdom.  The passenger ship suffered an electrical failure leaving the vessel without power for several hours before the crew was able to restart the main engine.  The vessel diverted to Holyhead on Anglesey for further inspections.  No reports of injuries, damage or pollution being released.