Browsed by
Day: September 5, 2015

Caledonian

Caledonian

Caledonian

The 26 meter long, 260 gt fishing vessel Caledonian sank off Estevan Point near Tofino, British Columbia, Canada. The Caledonian’s four crew were hauling in a net when the fishing vessel began to list.  The crew attempted to correct the list, but the dragger capsized and sank.  When the Caledonian failed to report in, a search was launched involving three Canadian Coast Guard vessels and an aircraft.  The search and rescue operation  spotted two crewmen, but both had perished. A third crewman’s body was later found and recovered. The fourth crewman was spotted and rescued by a passing cruise ship MS Statendam which was en route to Victoria.  Canadian authorities has launched an investigation into the incident.

MS Statendam
The 220 meter cruise ship Statendam rescued the sole survivor of the Caledonian
Binh Thuan 16

Binh Thuan 16

Binh Thuan 16
Photo: thanhnien.com.vn

The 41 meter long, 151 dwt passenger cargo vessel Binh Thuan 16 ran aground off Phan Thiet, Vietnam. The Binh Thuan 16 was carrying 150 passengers and cargo when it suffered a power blackout and drifted onto a reef off the Phu Quy coast. No reports of injuries or pollution released. Nearby authorities safely brought the passengers ashore. Reports state some cargo was discharged, but more will be unloaded if the Binh Thuan 16 can not be refloated. Authorities state the cause of the incident was due to sedimentation along the estuary.

Towboat Collision on Mississippi

Towboat Collision on Mississippi

Towboat Collision
Photo: wral.com

On September 2, two towboats collided on the Mississippi River near Columbus, Kentucky.  Reports state six barges were damaged by the collision including one barge carrying 1 million gallons of slurry oil.  The barge had one of its tanks ruptured releasing some 120,000 gallons of the 250,000 in the tank hold.  Reports state the pollution has been released into the river, but the slurry oil is heavier than water and collects below the surface making estimates difficult.  The Coast Guard along with the owner of the barge have dispatched a pollution response team to the scene. Traffic along the 17 miles stretch of the river has been halted.  No reports of injuries.