In August 2001 the Bulk Carrier Windoc was lined up on the Welland Canal’s Bridge 11 in Ontario Canada. After recieving the flashing amber approach light indicating that the bridge operator was aware of the vessel the captain lined up on the centerline and maintained a speed of 5 knots. Minutes later while the vessel was half way through the bridge started descending.

Click here to view the embedded video.

The Bridge Team’s Story

When the vessel was approximately halfway under the bridge, the third officer observed that the bridge signal lights were solid red and the lift span was descending. At 2053, the master sounded a few blasts on the ship’s whistle. The master, without identifying himself or the bridge in question, called the TCC on VHF channel 14 about the lowering of the bridge. The master quickly stopped the engines and ordered an evacuation of the wheelhouse.The master and third officer left the wheelhouse by the starboard navigation bridge wing. As they proceeded down the external bridge access ladder, the span of the bridge struck the vessel in way of the wheelhouse front windows, subsequently destroying the vessel’s wheelhouse and funnel. The wheelsman remained at his station in the wheelhouse and lay down on the deck as the bridge span passed overhead. He freed himself from the debris and descended by the deckhouse stairwell alive.

Miraculously no one was killed in the event.

For detailed information on the incident visit:

• Transportation Safety Board (TSB) of Canada’s Report
• The TSB’s brief synopsis
• TSB Photos of the incident.
• Huge list of Windoc Related Photos
• Photos of the bridge before incident.

Damage To The Wheelhouse

Remains of the Ship’s Radar

The Windoc During Better Days:

We interrupt your weekend reading to bring you an Inconvenient Truth; the maritime casualty list for 2008. This list is from CargoLaw.com and will only be available this weekend. On Monday we will return to our normal coverage of interesting maritime news but the list will, undoubtedly, continue to grow so be sure to email THIS LINK to all parties concerned with Maritime Safety.

Maritime Casualties 1Jand08 to 8Feb08

15-m tugboat Check-Mate III, under ferry transport, took on water and sank off the shores of eastern Newfoundland on Jan. 31. The two workers aboard did not survive. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Feb 6 2008).

28-m Tawler Harvester PD 98 capsized at Karstensen’s Shipyard in Danish port Skagen on Feb. 4 at 2000LT. The vessel came to rest at a 90 degree list on the harbour bottom. The three works aboard were rescued by a nearby tug. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Feb 6 2008).

136-ton F/V 102 Soyang capsized and sank in heavy weather 40 miles (65 km) southwest of Mara, South Korea on Jan. 30. 3 fisherman were rescued, but 10 crew remain missing. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Feb 6 2008).

Unidentified 600-ton South Korean cargo ship sank after colliding with a 270-ton tug boat off the country’s west coast on Feb. 4. Two crew reported dead and another missing. Three crew were rescued. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Feb 6 2008).

110-m Inland tanker M/V Eiltank 123 ran aground on the Rhine at Karlsruhe-Rappenwört on Feb. 1. The vessel’s cargo was lightered and the vessel was refloated and towed to the Rhine harbour in Karlsruhe where the remaining cargo was unloaded. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Feb 6 2008).

115-m oil tanker Jinyuanyou 9 struck cargo vessel Jintaishun in the Yangtze Delta, China, on Jan. 30. Jintaishun sank immediately and only one of 17 crew believed to have survived. 15 bodies recovered. The cause of the accident is yet unknown, but low visibility because of snow is suspected as a contributing cause. Police have taken the master of the unharmed tanker into custody. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Feb 6 2008).

12,887-ton refrigerated cargo vessel Horncliff was battered by a storm and took on water off Cornwall on Feb. 2. Injured personnel were air-lifted to a hospital. The vessel is now moored in Falmouth Harbour where surveyors found an 18-in (.46-m) hole in the vessel’s side. 90 containers were lost overboard. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Feb 6 2008).

50-60-ft charter F/V Sun Seeker, with 12 people aboard, took on water and sank near Treasure Island, Florida, on Feb. 2 shortly after 1800LT. The U.S. Coast Guard and a good Samaritan helped the passengers to safety. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Feb 6 2008).

71.5-m, 3,353-gt F/V Paerangi, built 2003, suffered fire while berthed in Bremerhaven on Feb. 2. The vessel was being enlengthened at the time. Two workers suffered intoxications and were taken into hospital. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Feb 6 2008).

193-m, 22,899-gt Turkish ro-ro ferry Und Adriatik (IMO 9215488), Istanbul to Trieste with 22 crew and nine passengers, caught fire close to Croatian territorial waters, 13 nautical miles west of the Adriatic town of Rovinj, on Feb. 6. All crew members and passengers were safely evacuated and rescued by Greek ferry Ikarus Palace, which was sailing to nearby Venice. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Feb 6 2008).

Trawler Spinningdale, with 14 crew, was driven aground in gale force winds and high seas on the island of Hirta, St. Kilda, Scotland, on Feb. 1. All crew, who were unable to launch life rafts due to the severe conditions, were winched to safety by helicopter air rescue. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen and our Correspondents Charles Emberton, Tony Collins, A.L. Griffiths, and Ashley Black (Sat. Feb 2 2008).

155-m, 1997-built, Roll-on roll-off Seatruck Ferry Riverdance, with 150 tonnes fuel and cargo from Warrenpoint in Northern Ireland to the port of Heysham in Lancashire, washed ashore and ran aground in severe seas after being struck by freak wave off Blackpool, Irish Sea on Jan. 31. The vessel developed a 60-degree list. Rescuers airlifted 23 passengers and crew. A Rotterdam-based salvage team is on its way. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen and our Correspondents Charles Emberton, Tony Collins, A.L. Griffiths, and Ashley Black (Sat. Feb 2 2008).

Navy bunker barge BAP Supe, with 17 crew and crude oil, exploded and sank in Zorritos, northern Peru, on Jan. 30 at 1045LT. All wounded crew have been rescued and transported to nearest hospital. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Feb 2 2008).

295-m, 28,000-gt Dutch roro M/V Trica (IMO 9307684) struck cargo M/V Cleopatra on the eastern part of the Kiel Canal coming from astern on Jan. 29. Both ships were inspected in the locks in Brunsbuettel after the incident. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Feb 2 2008).

Indian Navy troop-carrier INS Jalashwa (former USS Trenton, bought from US Navy last year) suffered gas leak which killed five soldiers taking part in an exercise in the Bay of Bengal on Feb. 1. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Feb 2 2008).

Unidentified pusher tug with barge NORSUL 12 capsized near the port of Sao Francisco do Sul, in state of Santa Catarina, Southern Brazil, on Jan. 20 at 2300LT. The 12 crew and pilot were reported safe. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Feb 2 2008).

142-m Scandlines ferry Schleswig Holstein collided with quay in the port of Fredericia, Denmark. The ship suffered a gash of 7 metres length and 25 centimeters breadth and started to list toward the quay. The fire brigade prevented the ship from sinking. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Feb 2 2008).

73-m Netherland-Antilles flagged cargo M/V Capadocia (IMO 8511938) suffered allision with the breakwater in Rijeka, Croatia, on Feb. 1 at 0530LT. The vessels bow suffered significant damage. The captain test positive on alcohol tests. The vessel was refloated under its own power on the same day. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Feb 2 2008).

Cargo M/V Gerda Vesta, with 10 crew, became grounded off the coast of Epanomi, near Thessaloniki, Greece on Jan. 28. No injures reported. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Feb 2 2008).

1992-built Pluto Shipping Company’s 12,887-ton refrigerated vessel Horncliff, with 31 people aboard, lost 90 containers overboard in rough weather approximately 225 miles west south west of the Isles of Scilly on Feb. 1-2. Three people reported injured, one seriously. Several people airlifted from vessel. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Feb 2 2008).

1981-built heavy lift carrier Zhen Hua 10, built 1981, ran aground off Hoek van Holland at Maasvlakte in 8-m waves on Feb. 2. The crew of 33 remained on board. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Feb 2 2008).

Cargo M/V Siddnath, with 17 Indian sailors and rice from the UAE to Iraq, capsized in heavy seas off the Bahrain coast on Feb. 1. No injuries reported. The crew were plucked from their life raft by police helicopter. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Feb 2 2008).

Two underwater cables that carry Internet traffic deep under the Mediterranean Sea, named FLAG Europe Asia and SEA-ME-WE 4, snapped on Feb 1. Service across a swath of Asia and the Middle East was disrupted, with India taking one of the biggest hits. The cause is not yet known, but vessel anchoring is suspected. Service has since been restored. From our Correspondent Brandon Byers (Sat. Feb 2 2008).

140-M Russian cargo M/V Volga 4004 (IMO 8720216) suffered a total machine blackout on the Kiel Canal at Kudensee thereby blocking the whole traffic on Jan. 29. The vessel was towed to Brunsbuettel and repaired. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Feb 2 2008).

205-m, 640 TEU, 28,289-gt Dutch roro M/V Kraftca (IMO 9307360), built 2006, was in allision with the new Northern lock of the Brunsbuettel locks of the Kiel Canal. The lamps of the Northern chamber were torn off when the ship hit. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Feb 2 2008).

Unidentified Vopak tanker, loaded with benzol, exploded in the port of Rotterdam in the evening on Jan. 30. The explosion is believed to have occurred in the machine room as a result of an overheating pump motor. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Jan 31 2008).

140-m barge train 2430 collided with 67.41-m Dutch dredger Ijsseldelta on the South Elbe on Jan. 31. The barges were carrying coal river upstream when they collided bow-to-bow with the dredger after having passed the Kattwyk bridge. The front barge sprang a leak in the foreship and had to be dewatered by the fire brigade. The dredger suffered only minor damage. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Jan 31 2008).

German inland cargo M/V Heinrich collided with the lowering gate of the shiplift at Scharnebech, causing the wheelhouse to crash against it, on Jan. 30. The captain was injured and the wheelhouse suffered damage. The police started investigations why the gate was lowered while the ship was still beneath. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Jan 31 2008).

118-m, 5,955-gt Marshall-Islands flagged chemical tanker M/V Cape Elizabeth (IMO 9272747), built 2004, ran aground in the outer Maas in Rotterdam on Jan. 26. The vessel stuck fast on the dam of the Geul harbour, but was refloated by two tugs of Smit Salvage after one hour. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Jan 31 2008).

78.72-m. 1,859-ft German ferry Ostfriesland (IMO 88324622) ran aground in the port of Borkum island while departing on Jan. 28. The vessel was refloated after two hours and proceeded to Emden. The passengers remained on board during this time. There were no apparent damages. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Jan 31 2008).

796-ft Panama-flagged Mediterranean Shipping Company’s cargo M/V Japan ran aground in the Chesapeake Bay on Jan. 28. No injuries or spills have been reported, and the vessel was freed after approximately 5 hours. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Jan 30 2008).

Unidentified cargo vessel collided with another cargo vessel at the estuary of the Yangtze River near Shanghai in China on Jan. 29. At least 10 people reported drowned, only 1 survivor reported. More than 50 feared dead. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Jan 30 2008).

Orkney F/V Excelsior took on water after hitting rocks on Deerness, eastern Orkney, Scotland, on Jan. 29. All crew rescued without injury. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Jan 30 2008).

10,098-gt Finish bulk carrier Tali ran aground in the Jøssing sound in Rogaland on Jan. 29 at 0830LT. The vessel suffered water ingress but was safely towed to Titania quay in Jøssingfjord. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Jan 30 2008).

Lebanese-flagged cargo M/V Gevo Victory, with 14 crew, suffered water ingress, lost cargo, and ultimately sank in severe seas off the Lebanese coast on Jan. 30. All crew were rescued by German Navy vessel Bayern, with only one sailor incurring minor injuries. German warships patrol the Lebanese coast as part of a UN mission to stop arms shipments to the Lebanese fundamentalist Hezbollah movement. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Jan 30 2008).

218.22-m, 40,485-gt, 14,268-dwt Liberia-flagged bulkcarrier M/V Trans Pacific ran aground at Hatter Barn off Samsø Island, Denmark on Jan. 27. A Coast Guard vessel, pollution control ship, and tugs were dispatched to the scene. Fuel lightering efforts were commenced in efforts to refloat the vessel. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Jan 30 2008).

Greek tanker M/V Edgeless (IMO 9000194) broke loose from its moorings at Marseille on Jan. 27. The drifting vessel was in allision with quay and suffered damages from impact. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Jan 30 2008).

Unidentified wooden boat, with at least 60 aboard, sank on Lake Tanganyika, off the Democratic Republic of Congo, on Jan. 30. At least 10 bodies have been recovered, and at least 3 people remain missing. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Jan 30 2008).

A weekend storm in Santa Barbara, California washed five boats ashore from their anchorage on Jan. 26 and another 40-ft sail boat on Jan. 27. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Jan 30 2008).

Twin-hulled, 30-m, 288-tonne pleasure cruiser Millennium City took on water after striking unknown object near Westminster Pier on the River Thames in London on Jan. 26 at 2230LT. In an operation that lasted more than four hours, firefighters pumped water out of the vessel to keep it afloat and sealed. Salvage discussions ongoing. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Jan 30 2008).

Former Norwegian ferry Tjeldsunferja 3 sank at the Rådhus quay in Oslo on Jan. 16. The ship had been used as a floating restaurant. Only the superstructure remained above water. The ship was intended to be raised and repaired at Sjursøya. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Jan 30 2008).

131.8-m 2006-built inland passenger M/V Viking Helvetia, with 14 aboard, suffered a machine room fire on the Rhine at Colonia in the evening of Jan 25. Two crew hurt, one of them seriously. The ship was able to berth with own power, and crew started to fight the fire. The captain called the fire brigade of Koeln which extinguished the flames. The vessel was intended to serve as a hotel ship during a fair in Colonia from Jan 26 on. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Jan 30 2008).

Scandlines ferry Mecklenburg-Vorpommern was in allision with a quay in Trelleborg, Sweden, due to stormy winds on Jan 26 at 1400LT. The vessel suffered damage above the waterline, and will be replaced with ferry Ask until repairs have been completed. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Jan 30 2008).

23.75-m 1984-built F/V Maarten Post – UK 53 broke lose from is moorings in the old fishing harbour of Cuxhaven on Jan. 28 at 1230LT. The ship was secured by the rescue boat Hermann Helms and the police until the tug Taucher Otto Wulf 8 was on scene and towed the ship back to its berth at 0230LT. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Jan 30 2008).

Dutch F/V Willem Jacob – UK 158 caught fire in the port of Lauwersoog on Jan 26. The fire was extinguished with assistance from the fire brigade from Zoutkamp and KNRM. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Jan 30 2008).

Palmali Shipping’s M/V Brothers-12 (IMO 8881371) lost chief engineer, presumably overboard, at position 46.25N 037.20E, Azov Sea on Jan. 26. Search and rescue efforts suspended the same day in light of un-survivable conditions. From our Moscow Correspondent Mike Voitenko (Wed. Jan 30 2008).

3,933-dwt refrigerator vessel Ice Stream (IMO 8609814), en route to Vladivostok, Russia, suffered engine failure and reported adrift at position 45.36N 149.14E (Friza strait, Kuril Islands) on Jan. 25 at 1305LT. Salvage tug Atlas was dispatched to assist, and the problem was fixed at 1730LT, allowing the vessel to resume its voyage. From our Moscow Correspondent Mike Voitenko (Wed. Jan 30 2008).

55.4-m German inland passenger M/V Rheingold was in allision with a quay, sprung a leak, and developed serious list in Neuss in harbour basin I on Jan. 25 at 1800LT. 500 passengers had been waiting to board the ship for a party. The water ingress was contained and the leakage patched. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Jan 26 2008).

Cambodian-registered Russian cargo M/V Captain Uskov, with 17 crew aboard, reported missing after losing contact with coastal services in the East Sea of China on Jan. 20. The vessel set out from Nakhodka on Jan. 15 and was scheduled to reach Hong Kong on Jan 24. All vessels currently in the East China Sea have also been informed of the disappearance of the ship. Japan said it would send searchers to an area 221 miles (355 km) west of Shanghai, from where the ship last contacted the ground services. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen and our Moscow Correspondent Mike Voitenko (Sat. Jan 26 2008).

210-ft Dependable suffered fire in engine room at the Coast Guard Training Center at Cape May, New Jersey, on Jan. 24. The fire was put out quickly by firefighters from the U.S. Coast Guard, Cape May, and the Town Bank section of Lower Township with no injuries and no major damages. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Jan 26 2008).

669-ft, 43,500-dwt, 33,070-gt Liberian flagged vessel Orange Sun collided with dredging vessel New York at Newark Bay, New Jersey, on Jan. 24 at 1351LT. The New York took on water and leaked a small amount of hydraulic fluid. No injuries were reported. Coast Guard Station New York immediately launched two small boat rescue crews who arrived on scene minutes after initial report. 140-ft Coast Guard Cutter Sturgeon Bay was also dispatched to the scene. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Jan 26 2008).

69-ft F/V Haeshin, with 3 crew aboard, struck a jetty and sank near Westport, Washington on Jan. 21. The Coast Guard rescued all 3 crew before the vessel went down. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Jan 26 2008).

78-ft F/V Anna Marie, with 4 crew, ran aground near Copalis Beach, Washington on Jan. 23. The Coast Guard and other state, local and tribal agencies coordinated with the vessel’s owner to have the boat removed from the area. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Jan 26 2008).

89-m cargo M/V Norsund (IMO 9007075), with cargo of salt, suffered machine damage and went adrift in the morning of Jan 25 near Gjeslingene. A Coast Guard vessel was to tow the vessel to Vårøy. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Jan 26 2008).

Cargo M/V South Michelle grounded in the Nakskov Sound, Denmark, on Jan. 22. The vessel was stuck fast between Enehøje and Barneholm. A canal is to be dug out to free the vessel which has resisted traditional salvage efforts. A pollution control vessel is monitoring the efforts. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Jan 26 2008).

Belgian ferry De Zijpe sank in the harbour of Antwerp on Jan 24. As oil is leaking out of the machine the harbour authorities are eager to raise the wreck as soon as possible. The De Zijpe was laid up since 1988 but remained structurally intact. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Jan 26 2008).

Norwegian cruise ship Balmoral, which had been enlengthened at Blohm & Voss Yard in Hamburg, developed a list of 2 degrees when the dry dock 17 was flooded for the first time on Jan 17. The vessel was unable to leave the dock on Jan 18 until the problem was solved. It departed from Hamburg to Dover on Jan. 24, almost a week delayed. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Jan 26 2008).

118-m, 5,549-gt Antigua-Barbuda-flagged container M/V North Express (IMO 9141053) lost a propeller blade on the Elbe river near the buoys 16/18 off Neuwerk on Jan 18 at 1900LT. The vessel performed an emergency anchoring and was ultimately towed to Bremerhaven for repairs on Jan. 21. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Jan 26 2008).

Inland water craft Eert J from Giesbeek, Netherlands, with a cargo of gravel, ran aground on Jan. 23. The vessel was freed with the assistance of a tug and rescue boat. It resumed its voyage after inspection for seaworthiness. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Jan 26 2008).

Cruise Ship Pacific Star was battered by high seas and winds of Cyclone Funa on Jan. 20. The vessel’s rolling caused frantic conditions aboard and five passengers were injured. The vessel returned to Auckland from the eight day cruise from Vanuatu on Jan. 22, one day late. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Jan 26 2008).

Passenger M/V Alte Fähre, with 14 aboard, suffered machine failure between Ruegen Island and Hiddensee, Germany, in the evening of Jan 23 between Ruegen island and Hiddensee. The rescue boat Nausikaa was called from Vitte, Hiddensee, and towed the drifting ship into the harbour of Schaprode, Ruegen, where it was berthed. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Jan 26 2008).

79-m inland water craft Berkemar S, was in allision with mooring bridge of the DGzRS rescue ship Wilhelm Kaisen in Bremen on Jan 23 at 1800LT. The mooring bridge structure suffered serious damage. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Jan 26 2008).

99-m, 2,856-gt Dutch-Antilles flagged cargo M/V South Michelle (IMO 7429267) ran aground in the Danish Nakskov Fjord off Enehøje in the afternoon of Jan 22 . The ship had suffered technical problems before when coming from Assens. The pollution control vessel Marie Miljø was called and tugs were dispatched to refloat the ship. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Jan 26 2008).

5,900-dwt Italian chemical carrier Cosmo, built 2003, grounded outside an Italian port in Ancona on Jan. 21. No damage reported. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Jan 26 2008).

Port of South Louisiana’s new $1.5 million 57-ft river patrol boat Responder exploded while docked on Jan. 22 at 1345. The explosion tore holes in the vessel and shattered windows. The cause is unknown. The port has hired a surveyor to investigate the explosion, along with the vessel’s manufacturer. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Jan 26 2008).

45-ft tugboat Joe Foss, Seattle area to Depoe Bay, Oregon, with three crew, took on water and sank near Tillamook, Oregon on Jan. 23. The crew donned survival suits and entered into the water before being picked up by F/V Kilchis and later transferred to a 47-ft lifeboat from Station Tillamook River. A HH-60 helicopter crew from Air Station Astoria, Ore., also responded. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Jan 26 2008).

Tug Martijn-Eva capsized and sank while assisting another vessel at Sluiskil, Netherlands. The crew was rescued by tug Multratug 2, which had been assisting the same vessel. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Jan 26 2008).

———-—N—WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS [Only 10% of Attacks Reported]—N————-15 Jan. 2008: 2245 LT 01:11.03N – 064:39.0W, Bahia De Robledal, Isla De Margarita, Venezuela. Five pirates armed with guns boarded yacht — assaulted crew & demanded from the crew all their property. One crew was shot. Incident reported to local authorities who undertook an investigation.14 Jan. 2008: 0144 LT: 08:42.9S – 013:18.8E: Luanda anchorage, Angola. Two pirates boarded general cargo ship from a small boat — broke open the forecastle paint store & stole ship’s stores. Robbers were spotted by ship’s crew. Alarm raised, robbers jumped overboard & escaped. 09 Jan. 2008: Bonny River, Nigeria. Gunmen suspected to be militants in a speedboat attacked supply ship underway — fired upon the vessel indiscriminately wounding 3 crew. The injured crew was taken to hospital for treatment.16 Jan. 2008: 1345 LT: 16:58.17N – 082:24.26E, Kakinada OPL, India. Pirates in a small craft came alongside a tug, underway, towing a barge — stole ship’s stores. Alert crew raised alarm, crew mustered & took back the stolen stores — pushed the pirates back to their craft. Pirates boarded the barge & left after 20 minutes. Local agent informed.

———-—N————-Tugbot Senator Stennis struck sunken replica of 17th Century war ship, Le Pelican, on the Mississippi River, mile markers 167-186, near Donaldsonville, Louisiana, on Jan. 20. The impact caused the tug to spill 30 gallons of diesel fuel into the river. Le Pelican, purchased by the city of Donaldsonville as a tourist attraction, sunk in November 2002 and again in March 2004. After the 2004 sinking, officials decided to leave it where it had sunk, saying that because it was close to shore it would not be a navigational hazard. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Jan 21 2008). 51-foot pleasure craft Moonlight Express grounded in Long Beach harbor near Island Grissom while conducting a Coast Guard Auxiliary patrol under the auspices of U.S. Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach on the morning of Jan 19. There were no injuries or pollution reported and the boat has sustained minimal damage and is fully intact. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Jan 21 2008). Container M/V Kyoto Express was struck by collapsed crane boom at Southampton Docks on Jan. 18. No injuries reported. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Jan 21 2008). Scottish-registered trawler F/V Shark, with Spanish crew of 16-strong, caught fire from electrical issue off the coast of Donegal, Ireland, on Jan. 19. A helicopter from Sligo, a lifeboat from Arranmore and an Irish naval vessel Le Eithne were sent to the rescue. F/V Shark moved under its own power but was accompanied by tug to Killybegs, where it has docked. Ten crew were airlifted from the vessel after it got into trouble. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen and our Correspondent A. L. Griffiths (Mon. Jan 21 2008).

33,346-dwt 1985-built M/V Sergiy Skadovskiy (IMO 8725058), enroute from Mariupol port to Black sea with 3100 tonns of grain, intentionally grounded to avoid sinking in Azov Sea, position 45.59.6N 036.47.7E on Jan. 19/20. The cause of water ingress is believed to be collision with ice or another vessel. From our Moscow Correspondent Mike Voitenko (Sat. Jan 19 2008).

50-ft wooden-hulled vessel Restless C took on water three miles off the coast of Westport, Washington, on Jan. 17. A HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Astoria, a 47-foot motor lifeboat crew and a 52-foot motor lifeboat crew from Station Grays Harbor responded to the scene. An Urgent Marine Information Broadcast was issued to see if any vessel in the area could assist. A Good Samaritan quickly arrived on scene and provided a water pump, which enabled the Restless C to keep up with the water. The 47-foot motor life boat crew is escorting the “Restless C” while it returns to Westport Marina on its own power. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Jan 19 2008).

Ferry Sydfyen of Langelandstraffiken, which runs between Spodsbjerg and Tårs, ran aground off Tårs, Denmark, while attempting to enter port on Jan 14 at 1815LT. The ship was towed off the ground by the tug Nakskov Havn 2 at 2200LT. The Spodsbjerg sailed as replacement ferry on Jan.15. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Jan 19 2008).

135-m inland container M/V Trifels, homeport Neckargemünd, ran aground at Linkenheim on the the Rhine on Jan. 18. The vessel was refloated the same day with the assistance of a tow from Dutch inland cargo M/V Fiorano, homeport Zwijndrecht. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Jan 19 2008).

F/V Dolphin ran aground 30 miles southwest of Wrangell, Alaska on Jan. 16. The Coast Guard, Alaska Dept. of Environmental Conservation, and Trident Seafoods Corp. are working to address the situation. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Jan 19 2008).

0-ft commercial diving vessel Aquarius III sank at North Arm Marina, near Port Adelaide, Australia, on Jan. 17. The vessel was subsequently refloated and towed to a Port Adelaide slip. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Jan 19 2008).

Sand dredger Ahlsell collided head-on with cargo M/V Rubyn south of Rønne, Denmark, on Jan. 18. Rescue boat Mads Jakobsen from Rønne rescue station was deployed to tow the Ahlsell, which suffered hull damage, into the port of Rønne. M/V Rubyn suffered only minor damages. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Jan 19 2008).

6,620-dwt, 2000-built Russian Palmali Shipping tanker Marmara Mariner (IMO 9175183), with cargo of heavy oil and gas condensate, ran aground in Kerch Strait, at position 45.20N 036.35E, while passing in South direction, close to buoys 33-34, in Ukraine responsibility zone on Jan. 17. Vessel passage was controlled by Kerch port VTMS (vessel traffic management system). No damages or spill reported. 1,000 tonns of cargo offloaded to Palmali Shipping tanker Reroil-3, and Marmara Mariner was successfully refloated on Jan. 18. From our Moscow Correspondent Mike Voitenko (Sat. Jan 19 2008).

13,815-grt, 2002-built Russian Tanker Usinsk (IMO 9194012), with 19,197-mt of crude oil, collided with FSO Belokamenka in Kolskiy Bay while berthing on Jan. 18 at approximately 1310LT. FSO Belokamenka incurred hole above waterline as a result of the collision. No spill reported. All operations suspended pending repair. From our Moscow Correspondent Mike Voitenko (Sat. Jan 19 2008).

———-—N—WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS [Only 10% of Attacks Reported]—N————-10 Jan. 2008: 2155 LT: 01:05.6N-103:34.5E: Phillip Channel, Singapore Straits. At a distance of 1 NM, a small craft, with its searchlight on, impeded the safe passage of a tanker underway. Vessel altered course to maneuver clear of the craft. At the same time, the crew noticed another, unlit, small craft near midships on the portside. Tanker enforced preventive measures and informed Singapore VTIS, who broadcast a security message to all ships in the area. A navy patrol boat arrived on the scene and patrolled the area. VTIS assured the tanker master that his vessel was being monitored continuously08 Jan. 2008: 0055 LT: Tema anchorage, Ghana – 3 pirates armed with knives, boarded chemical tanker via the forecastle. Duty A/B spotted the robbers who tried to catch him. Luckily, the A/B managed to escape. D/O raised alarm, crew mustered & searched the area. It was found that the robbers had unscrewed all the butterfly nuts of the forecastle hatch. However, as the hatch was locked from inside the robbers could not enter the store. Nothing was stolen. Port control informed.05 Jan. 2008: 0556 LT: 16:59.8N – 082:26.7E, Kakinada roads, India — 7 pirates in a, 12 meter long, open boat approached a chemical tanker at anchor. One robber boarded the tanker using a grappling hook and rope via the poop deck. Duty A/B challenged him & informed OOW. Alarm raised & crew mustered. Robber climbed back into the waiting boat. Ship’s property & stores stolen. 07 Jan. 2008: 0235 LT: No. 5, Beira, Mozambique. Duty seaman onboard a, berthed, chemical tanker noticed 1 pirate on the forecastle deck. Duty officer informed & crew alerted. When confronted, robber threatened the duty seaman with a knife. Noticing the alert crew the robber jumped into the water & escaped. Ship stores stolen. Port facility informed.

———-—N————-Indonesian M/V Salju Emas, which left Masalembu port at about 14:00 local time on Jan 14 for Gresik port, reported missing with all 27 passengers in Masalembu waters. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Jan 17 2008). 5,691-gt cargo ship Ho Feng No. 7, with 20 crew, sank off Itbayat island in the northernmost Batanes province, Phillipines, on Jan 16. 10 crew were rescued, 10 crew reported missing. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Jan 17 2008). F/V Horng Yun, with 20 crew, sank in heavy seas off the southern Taiwanese coast on Jan. 16. Helicopters and one ship dispatched by the Taiwanese government rescued two of the sailors and nearby cargo vessels saved another three. 15 crew reported missing. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Jan 17 2008). 965-ft container vessel Ever Radiant ran aground approximately two miles east of Tybee Island, Georgia, on Jan. 16 at 1100LT. No pollution reported. The vessel was safely re-floated and moved farther offshore to an anchorage area. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Jan 17 2008).

45-ft F/V Sole Train sank at Chatham Fish Pier, in Chatham, Massachusetts on Jan. 15. Chatham fire department personnel deployed boom to contain the diesel fuel, and the harbormaster used his boat to raise the vessel. The leak was plugged and the vessel towed to Ryder’s Cove for repairs. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Jan 17 2008).

71.5-ft tug Trig Lind with 206-ft barge collided with a railroad bridge at Petaluma, CA on 0230LT on Jan. 16. The bridge incurred damage as a result of the collision. Upon notification, the Coast Guard immediately launched a small boat and marine casualty investigators. A Coast Guard HH-65 helicopter was also diverted to respond to the marine incident. No pollution reported. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Jan 17 2008).

59,000-dwt car carrier M/V Courage listed heavily in the port of New Jersey on Jan. 11. 370 BMW cars were damaged, seventy were lost. M/V Courage had come from Europa with a cargo of 2,000 cars, mainly BMW 1-series, 3-series and M3′s. The seriously damaged cars will be destroyed, cars with less damage will be repaired. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Jan 17 2008).

9,576-gt car carrier City of Sunderland, with 13 crew and 642 cars aboard, ran aground at the south edge of Haisborough Sands, 8 miles off the coast between Cromer and Great Yarmouth Norfolk, on Jan. 14. The vessel was successfully refloated the same day with the assistance of two tugs, the Svitzer Trimley from Harwich and the Grey Test from Felixstowe. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Jan 15 2008).

1,000-ft M/V Walter J. McCarthy struck submerged object, piercing the vessel’s hull and causing it to sink in shallow waters of the Duluth-Superior Harbor while being docked for the winter on the Superior side of Duluth Harbor. The vessel is not underwater, but resting on the bottom. Freezing of the water ingress will make pumping difficult. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Jan 15 2008).

Greek cargo M/V Ice Prince listed and sank after the cargo of 5,258 tons wood shifted 35 miles off Devon on Jan 13 at 1900LT. The entire crew of 20 was successfully evacuated, 12 by helicopter and 8 by RNLI-boats. A few minor injuries were reported in the evacuation of the vessel including bumps and bruises. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Jan 15 2008). << See Singles Only Photo Feature >>

27,000-dwt Panama-registered cargo M/V Da Ji, with load of gravel, capsized and sank in choppy waters off Taiwan’s west coast, approximately 20 nautical miles off Changhwa, on Jan.14. At least three crew reported dead and at least 10 others missing. Coast Guard crew reportedly rescued 13 crew. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Jan 15 2008).

602-ton F/V Derbent, with 14 crew, became stranded in freezing weather after it ran aground on Rishirito Island off northern Hokkaido, Japan, on Jan. 1. No injuries or pollution reported. Salvage efforts are being delayed as the vessel has no indemnity coverage or valid registry. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Jan 15 2008).

Unidentified Dutch cargo vessel collided with the lock in Husum port on Jan. 13 at 1645LT. The ship itself was only slightly damaged, the excess of damage to the gate was still to be assessed. The police in Husum started investigations. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Jan 15 2008).

3,183-gt cargo M/V Odertal collided with the north embankment of the Ostermoor port, Germany, on Jan. 13. The rudder and machine incurred damage. Two tugs refloated the ship and berthed it at the North quay. Divers inspected the damage to the hull of the ship which was not allowed to leave port until end of investigations. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Jan 15 2008).

33-ft commercial shrimping vessel Rodac, homeported in Reddington Beach, Florida, sank at the entrance of John’s Pass, Florida, on Jan. 11. Sea Tow Tampa Bay removed all crew without injury but were unable to salvage the vessel. The vessel is reported to have about 200 gallons of diesel fuel onboard that is releasing into the surrounding water. Sea conditions have hindered response and containment efforts. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sun. Jan 13 2008).

80-m German passenger M/V Hein Godenwind / Irrational Exuberance / ex- Estrella, sank at the North Mole in Gibraltar on Jan. 1. The ship had been abandoned some years ago and since then it had been moored at the Detached Mole. No pollution reported. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sun. Jan 13 2008).

4,966-grt M/V Krilyon (ex-Voke, IMO 8837813), with 18 crew, pushed aground in strong winds of up to 40 knots while heaving anchor in Olga Bay, Primorye, Japan Sea on Jan. 13 at approximately 0130LT. No visible damage or danger to crew reported. Salvage tug dispatched. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sun. Jan 13 2008).

70-ft Fraserburgh-registered F/V Fisher Boys, with five people aboard, sank in the North Sea, 40 miles north of Fraserburgh on Jan. 11. A rescue helicopter from RAF Lossiemouth was on the scene within minutes. Efforts to save the vessel failed, but all five aboard were rescued. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen and our Correspondent A. L. Griffiths (Sun. Jan 13 2008).

Two high speed Turbojet ferries, Funchal and Santa Maria, operated by Shun Tak- China Travel Ship Management Ltd, with a combined 400 passengers aboard, collided in heavy fog near Macao on Jan. 11. 133 passengers and 10 crew reported injured, no fatalities reported. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sun. Jan 13 2008).

Inland tanker M/V LRG Gas 76, bound for Rotterdam with 950 tons butane gas, ran aground on the Rhine at Spay on Jan. 13. The vessel suffered a leak in its double hull followed by water ingress. The local fire brigade dewatered the ship and 3 tugs were able to refloat the vessel, which could then control the water ingress under own power. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sun. Jan 13 2008).

1,948-grt M/V Linka, built 1963 (IMO 6804276), sent distress message reporting water ingress in the engine room and the ballast tanks in the Azov Sea on Jan. 11 at 2054LT. Vessel requested permission to enter port of Kavkaz, which was granted. M/V Linka successfully berthed, though bow later sunk, resting on the ground. Diving inspection revealed three holes below waterline. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sun. Jan 13 2008).

Unidentified tug/barge train collided with Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, San Francisco, on Jan. 10 at approximately 1800LT. The barge capacity is 65,195 barrels of heavy black oil and the ship’s crew reported no pollution on scene. Coast Guard boarding teams and small boat are on scene verifying that no pollution was released into the environment and the Coast Guard investigation has begun. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. Jan 11 2008).

12,600-dwt oil tanker Golden Lucy, built 1987, burst into flames at Nigeria’s Port Harcourt on Jan 11 at 0640LT after two loud explosions were heard. The tanker was berthed in a general cargo area, not at an oil exporting terminal. Fire brigades were deployed to tackle the flames. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. Jan 11 2008). UPDATE>> Reports indicate the fire on board Golden Lucy was caused by a bomb and that Nigerian rebels claimed responsibility. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sun. Jan 13 2008).

41,766-tonne Norwegian tanker Mariella, built 1986, reported drifting and dragging anchor in 45-knot winds in Weymouth Harbour on Jan. 10. The coastguard tug Anglian Earl was at the scene to prevent the tanker from grounding while RNLI lifeboats were put on standby to remove non-essential personnel. A helicopter was also scrambled to oversee operations and evacuate the tanker in the event it grounded. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. Jan 11 2008).

55-ft F/V My Oar reported taking on water after cracking hull breaking through ice near Anton Larsen Bay, Alaska, on Jan. 9 at 1550LT. An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter was immediately launched from Air Station Kodiak after communication with the vessel was lost. The vessel was located aground near the boat launch on Anton Larsen Bay. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. Jan 11 2008).

Swedish ferry Stena Danica, with 171 passengers and 69 crew, struck rocks off Gothenburg on Jan 10. The vessel berthed with assistance at Gothenburg, but will be out of service until for several weeks. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. Jan 11 2008).

Bahamas-flagged container M/V Barrington Island (IMO 9059614, built 1993) passed the Zandvliet lock in the port of Antwerp on Jan. 6 with a number of considerable storm damaged containers which had been smashed by strong waves. The hull on port side also showed signs of storm impact. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. Jan 11 2008).

155-m, 1991-built, Panama-flagged Container M/V MSC India suffered accident during a life-boat drill off Karlskrona 28 miles south of the Swedish island Öland in the Baltic Sea on Jan 9 at 1430LT. The brackets holding the enclosed lifeboat to the ship failed, and it fell 10 meters into the sea with 3 men aboard. 2 men reported dead, the other is still in the hospital. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Jan 10 2008).

56-ft F/V Mistress became disabled and took on water near Point Judith, Rhode Island in the afternoon of Jan. 9. The vessel’s sister ship and a rescue boat towed F/V Mistress to safety and out of danger of being washed into rocks. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Jan 10 2008).

F/V Jan Jo caught fire in the foremidday hours off Risvaer in the Lofotes, Norway, on Jan. 8. One man was saved from the ship by the rescue boat Kaptein Skaugen. F/V Jan Jo was towed to Risvaer. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Jan 10 2008).

Swedish F/V Zandy, homeported in Gotland, listed and sank south of Skåne near Trelleborg in the Baltic sea on Jan. 7. The two crew evacuated into a raft and were rescued by helicopter. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Jan 10 2008).

F/V Galaxy became stranded and grounded near the rocks in outer New Bedford Harbor after losing power while returning from a scallop fishing trip on Jan 9. No damaged yet reported but the vessel can only be refloated at next high tide with assistance from a tug of Tucker-Roy Marine Towing and Salvage, and danger of damage remains. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Jan 10 2008).

34-ft Norway-flagged F/V Rekyl ran aground off Henningsvær, Vestværran on Jan. 9 at approximately 2137LT. The vessel was refloated by the rescue boat Kaptein Skaugen, and the skipper was saved by a rescue helicopter at 2240LT and taken to Leknes. F/V Rekyl was safely berthed in Henningsvær. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Jan 10 2008).

Indian Navy submarine Sindhughosh, with 60 crew aboard, collided with a merchant Navy ship in the Arabian Sea on Jan. 7 while attempting to surface 300 km north of Mumbai. The submarine’s fin was slightly damaged but no injuries reported and the vessel made it back to the base in Mumbai without assistance. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Jan 10 2008).

21-meter commercial F/V Westisle, with 6 crew, capsized in the Pylades Channel near Nanaimo, B.C. on Jan. 7 at approximately 2300LT. One body was recovered. Five of six crew had managed to reach Gabriola Island late Jan 7 night after scrambling into a smaller skiff and were treated for hypothermia. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Jan 8 2008).

70-m cargo M/V Lamaro, with load of calcium sulphate, ran aground at Fifång in Södertäljeleden, Sweden on Jan. 6. A ballast tank was breached as result of the incident, and the vessel berthed in Södertälje for inspections after refloating. The cargo was to be unloaded in Bålsta. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Jan 8 2008).

30-m Norwegian F/V Remøybuen, with 2 crew, sprung a leak and sank at Skatestraumen between Måløy and Bremanger in the morning of Jan. 8. The ship was pushed against the shore but sank stern first directly off the rocks in spite of the attempts of rescue boats to keep it afloat. No injuries reported. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Jan 8 2008).

220-ft cargo Panamanian-flagged M/V Capitan L, with six crew, reported taking on water and listing approximately 46 nautical miles south of Isla Saona, Dominican Republic on Jan. 5. The crew was evacuated by Air Station Borinquen, Puerto Rico and the vessel was towed by tug West Wind I back to the Dominican Republic. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Jan 8 2008).

20-m 71-ton F/V Sulaiman, with 20 crew aboard, reported adrift with rope fouled around her propeller 25 nautical miles south of Cape Point on Jan. 6. A tow-line was rigged from the rescue craft Spirit of Vodacom and the casualty vessel was taken under tow and toward Hout Bay harbour while a second rescue craft escorted the tow. F/V Sulaiman was safely towed into Hout Bay harbour and berthed on Jan. 7. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Jan 8 2008).

24-m French vessel La Petite Julie, from Saint Brieux, sank in stormy weather with 7 crew 50 miles (80km) off Cornwall on Jan. 7 at approximately 0450LT. Rescue operations by Falmouth Coastguard and French emergency crews, with the assistance of 3 merchant ships and helicopter, resulted in the rescue of 1 crewman. At least 2 crew reported dead. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Jan 8 2008).

61.63-m 2,425-gt British trawler Marbella H 771 caught fire at on Jan. 5. Cuxhanven and Bremerhaven fire crews extinguished the flames, though three workers suffered smoke inhalation. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Jan 8 2008).

Singapore-registered freighter Kuo Fu rammed into the side of a small unidentified Taiwanese transport boat, with 69 aboard, splitting the latter in half, on Jan. 5 at Taiwan. 7 of the 69 Chinese fishermen aboard the ill-fated boat were reported missing after the collision and the rest were rescued. The freighter, apparently unaware of the accident, was intercepted by Taiwanese port police before sailing out of Taiwan. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Jan 5 2008).

F/V Niamh Aine, with seven crew aboard, reported taking on water in strong seas while working in the Atlantic off wester Scotland on Jan. 4. A Royal Navy helicopter had flown 23 miles south of Tiree in the Inner Hebrides to winch the crew to safety, but it was decided that towing the boat was safer because of weather conditions. Water was pumped from the vessel as it was taken to Port Askaig on Islay by a lifeboat. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Jan 5 2008).

Floating production and storage offloading vessel Bleo Holm, working for Talisman Energy (UK) Ltd, 72 miles north east of Aberdeen with 70 people aboard, struck by freak wave in the North Sea on Jan. 4. All 70 were accounted for, but four were injured. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Jan 5 2008).

90-m 3,000-tonne Dutch cargo ship Nordgard, with cargo of Timber and 7 crew aboard, took on serious list in high winds 90 miles northeast of Aberdeen, UK on Jan. 5. Loose timber was dumped and the list has since been stabilized. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Jan 5 2008).

German cargo M/V Siegfried Lehmann, with no cargo but 24 tons fuel and crew of 9 aboard, ran aground off Singö near Stockholm on Jan. 4. The Coast Guard sent the anti pollution vessel KBV 010 in case of oil leak. M/V Siegfried Lehmann had a pilot aboard at the time of the grounding. A tug from Gävle was dispatched to assist. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Jan 5 2008).

262-m M/V Eide Marine, with 25 crew, dragged anchor off Halsnøy in blustery weather and drifted aground. The vessel was able to be refloated under its own power and sustained only minor damage. No injuries reported. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Jan 5 2008).

52-ft Mississippi River towboat Gate-Way, while moving coal barges, sank on Jan. 2. The boat’s captain remains missing. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Jan 5 2008).

128-m Comores-flagged cargo M/V Saratoga (IMO 7518800), Italy to the Ukraine with 20 crew but no cargo, ran aground off the Black Sea coast of Turkey. The crew has not been evacuated. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Jan 5 2008).

7-m pleasure boat Disturbance, with 5 aboard, suffered explosion on the Waikato River near Flagstaff on Jan 2. A petrol leak is suspected. The explosion blew those aboard into the water, but only minor burns were reported. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Jan 5 2008).

37-ft sailing vessel Hot Ticket became disabled in heavy seas approximately 130 miles southwest of Fort Myers Beach, Florida, on Jan 2. The crew of the sailing vessel Hot Ticket activated their emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) when they lost steering and the vessel began to take on water. Coast Guard aircraft dispatched and Cutter Farallon deployed to tow the vessel to Key West, Florida. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Jan 5 2008).

40-m Panama-flagged Ocean Lady suffered fire and sank in Ceuta, Spain, on Jan. 3. The burning ship had been towed 12 kilometers out of the harbor when it foundered. There is no pollution risk as there was no fuel oil on board. The fire is believed to have been caused by illegal immigrants living on board the abandoned ship. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Jan 5 2008).

Scandlines-ferry Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, homeport Rostock, Germany, stuck fast, collided with quay due to stormy winds off the harbor of Trelleborg, Sweden, after having tried in vain to enter the port on Jan 3. More than 130 passengers on board were affected. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Jan 5 2008).

63-m St. Vincent-Grenadines-flagged cargo M/V Dantic (IMO 8124498) ran aground off Yerseke port in the morning of Jan. 3, thereby blocking the port entrance. The crew was unable to refloat the vessel under its own power, and tugs Delta of L. Polderman, Hansweert and Zephyrus of Multraship proceeded to the grounding site in hope to get a salvage contract. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Jan 5 2008).

Trawler Nemanskiy (IMO 8721595), built 1987 and departing from Norway, reported adrift as a result of engine failure after at position 71.44.5N 036.31E on Jan. 4 at approximately 0955LT. The vessel had been under arrest and was not authorized to leave port, and will be towed back to Norwegian port. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Jan 5 2008).

Trawler Radumezhsk reported herself disabled and adrift as a result of an entangled net in its propeller in the Okhotsk Sea, position 46.09N 143.55E on Jan. 5 at 0135LT. Salvage tug Rubin deployed from Korsakov port at 1100LT. From our Moscow Correspondent Mike Voitenko (Sat. Jan 5 2008).

Dutch M/V GO 59, with crew of 2, entangled a net in its propeller off the Slijkgat in the Northsea on Jan 2. The rescue boat Prinses Margriet responded and took M/V GO 59 in tow to Stellendam. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Jan 5 2008).

Trawler Marbella caught fire in Cuxhaven fishing port, Germany, on Jan 5. The fire was accompanied by intense smoke before being extinguished by the fire brigade. From our Moscow Correspondent Mike Voitenko (Sat. Jan 5 2008).

F/V PTSM-0252 (owner OOO MTRK Murmansk), with crew of 4 and while under tow by salvage tug Atlas, sank in Teriberskaya Bay, Kolskiy Peninsula. All crew evacuated without injury. From our Moscow Correspondent Mike Voitenko (Sat. Jan 5 2008).

42-ft sailboat Red Cloud, with two men, a woman and a dog, was overwhelmed by high winds and 20-ft seas nearly 200 miles offshore Galveston, Texas on Jan. 1. The vessel reported it was taking on water and that its cabin roof was being ripped apart. A rescue helicopter made it to to the vessel for rescue in about 50 minutes. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Jan 3 2008).

224-m Container M/V Cabot struck an unidentified Canadian Coast Guard Vessel in St. John’s Harbour on Jan. 1 at approximately 0630LT. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Jan 3 2008).

43-ft F/V Kelly Sea, with 3 crew, became disabled by fouled propeller 75 miles southeast of Rhode Island on Dec. 30. 270-ft USCG Cutter Tahoma responded and initiated tow. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Jan 3 2008).

554-ft Thai-flagged freighter M/V Mathawee Naree (ex Ocean Camellia, Joy Victory), Vancouver to Japan with 28,000 tons copper concentrate and 24 aboard, lost power and became disabled 180 nautical miles northwest of Attu on Dec. 31 The vessel is adrift in heavy seas the Bering Sea. USCG Jarvis dispatched to the scene and a USCG C-130 was conducting aerial surveillance. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Jan 3 2008).

Cargo M/V Mansour suddenly listed dropping a container on two workers at Ajman Port on Dec. 29. One of the workers was killed. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Jan 3 2008).

Dutch F/V UK 273, homeport Urk, ran aground northwest of Schiermonnikoog on Jan. 1. While rescue boat Koning Willem I was initially called, the vessel was ultimately able to refloat itself under its own power. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Jan 3 2008).

Unidentified North Korean fishing vessel, with 3 crew, disabled and required urgent assistance in the Japan Sea on Jan. 2. Russian-flagged M/V Kapitan Kiriy (IMO 7384261) assisted the vessel and took the crew aboard, though two crew had died of hypothermia. From our Moscow Correspondent Mike Voitenko (Thurs. Jan 3 2008).

Bulgarian cargo M/V Vanessa, with 10 crew and a pilot aboard and cargo of scrap metal, sank in the Kertch Strait in severe seas on Jan 3 at 0600LT. There were 11 people on board the ship — 10 Bulgarian crewmen and a Ukrainian pilot. Two ships proceeded to M/V Vanessa after its SOS-call but were unable to help due to the storm. Rescuers found only one survivor and the bodies of three crew. The bodies were taken aboard a rescue speedboat. Before the sinking the bulwark was torn from the ship. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen and our Moscow Correspondent Mike Voitenko (Thurs. Jan 3 2008).

339.9-m 90,465-tonne German cargo M/V LT Cortesia, en route to the Suez Canal with 4,148 containers and 27 aboard, ran aground on the Varne Bank, nine miles south of Dover harbour on Jan. 2. No injuries were reported, and the vessel was successfully refloated by with the help of three commercial tugs. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen and our Correspondents Charles Emberton and Les Crossan (Thurs. Jan 3 2008).

Unidentified vessel laden with sand and carrying approximately 30 people sank in the Bangladesh river Dhaleswari, near Munshiganj district town 30 km (19 miles) south of the capital Dhaka, on New Year’s Eve. One man reported killed and 20 others feared drowned. Nine people were either rescued or swam to safety. Overloading is believed to be the cause. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Jan 1 2008).

M/V Emma collided with lock wall of the New Southern Lock of the Kiel Canal in Brunsbuettel on Jan. 1. Vessel traffic had to be stopped and queued up to the inner harbour of Brunsbuettel while the investigations lasted. When entering the lock short time later the tanker M/V Artistry suffered a machine blackout and came to rest perpendicular to the same lock. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Jan 1 2008).

Source: CargoLaw.com

Are you a U.S. Seamen that was injured at sea. Know your rights! Visit Offshore Injuries Today

This week’s incident photo is not for the faint of heart. Bob Couttie’Maritime Accident Casebook gives the details:

The following photo is a disturbing image and we gave considerable thought to whether or not its publication would serve a useful purpose. It’s from the Blue Oceana website and tells more than any official report possibly could of the need to be safety conscious around containers. It is from an accident in Malaysia in 2005. As the Blue Oceana makes clear, it’s a continuing problem.

CLICK HERE for the photo.