Sikelela Aground

Sikelela Aground

Sikelela
Photo: NSRI

On August 28, the fishing vessel Sikelela ran aground in St. Francis Bay near St. Francis, South Africa. The vessel had suffered a power blackout while attempting to return to harbour in 5 meter swells and high winds.  The crew was unable to gain control of the Sikelela as the waves drove the vessel ashore.  The eight crewmen escaped the fishing vessel to the shoreline.  A few others were unable to leap ashore and were left hanging onto the vessel as waves crashed over the vessel.  The NSRI lifeboat arrived on scene and rescued three crew.  The NRSI also rescued the  master of the Sikelela. He had suffered injuries after loosing his footing.  The Sikelela continued to be battered into the rocks the following days until  it was smashed into a total loss.  Some oil and fuel was released but was dissipated by the waves.

 

Hordvikneset Collision

Hordvikneset Collision

Weller
Photo: bt.no

The 75 meter long cargo vessel Falksund collided with the 15 meter long fishing vessel Weller off Hordvikneset, Norway.  The Weller sustained damage to its bow and suffered water ingress. Two passengers fell overboard, but were uninjured. No reports of injuries to the 6 crew on the Falksund or the 4 on the Weller.  The crew on the Weller requested assistance as the bilge pump was unable to keep up with the flooding.  A nearby Coast Guard vessel responded and provided additional dewatering pumps.  The NSSK lifeboat arrived a short time later and escorted the Weller to Hjelmås.

Plutonas

Plutonas

Plutonas
Photo: folkebladet.no

The 43 meter long fishing vessel Plutonas ran aground in the Gisundet, Norway.  The trawler had touch bottom several times before going hard aground outside the fairway.  As the tide receded, the vessel developed a list to port.  No reports of injuries.  The local police proceed to investigate the cause of the grounding.