- Cargo Ship “Balakhna” Runs Aground in Russia’s Volga–Don Canal
On 26th November, the general cargo vessel Balakhna ran aground at Karpovskoye Reservoir of the Volga-Don Canal, Russia. No injuries or pollution were reported in the incident.
Authorities have initiated an investigation to assess compliance with navigation safety regulations. Following the outcome of the inquiry, the need for any response measures will be determined.
Balakhna is a Russian-flagged general cargo vessel. The vessel measures 103.3 meters in length, 12.4 meters in width and has a carrying capacity of 2000 tons.
- Engine Room Blaze Hits Liberian-Flagged Containership in Wilmington; Four Crew Injured
A major fire broke out aboard the Liberian-flagged containership Chiquita Voyager at the Port of Wilmington, USA, on 26th November. The blaze was successfully brought under control; however, four crewmembers sustained injuries and were transported to the hospital for treatment.
The incident occurred at approximately 9:28 a.m. local time in the vessel’s engine room, prompting an immediate emergency response. Approximately 70 personnel from multiple agencies participated in the response, including Wilmington Fire Department units, New Castle County Emergency Management, and mutual aid from several local fire departments.
The smoke was observed to be rising from the ship’s superstructure, leading the firefighters to board the vessel and initiate fire suppression using water supply from the pier. Subsequently, the U.S. Coast Guard provided assistance from the waterside. The onboard fire suppression system also assisted in confining the blaze.
Emergency personnel worked for roughly three hours to bring the blaze under control. Fire units remained onsite for the remainder of the day to monitor for any potential ignition.
Four crewmembers who reportedly sustained injuries during the fire were taken to the hospital for medical treatment, but the severity of their injuries was not immediately available. Following the incident, authorities are investigating the cause of the fire.
Chiquita Voyager is a 2005-built containership that measures 221.7 meters in length and 29.86 meters in width. .
- Fire Erupts Aboard Cargo Vessel During Maintenance at Dutch Shipyard
On 26th November, a fire broke out aboard the general cargo vessel Ostborg while it was undergoing maintenance at a shipyard located on Visserijweg in Farmsum, Netherlands. No injuries or pollution were reported.
The blaze originated in the bow section, where approximately three tonnes of rope containing woven plastic material were stored. Firefighters encountered difficulties accessing the affected area due to intense heat and restricted space. After several hours of firefighting efforts, the situation was brought under control, and the fire was extinguished.
Preliminary assessments indicate that the fire likely ignited during welding operations carried out at the bow of the vessel. The exact cause of the incident is yet to be determined by the authorities.
Ostborg is a 2001-built general cargo vessel and is sailing under the flag of the Netherlands. The vessel measures 89.25 meters in length and 13.3 meters in width.
- Engine Failure Forces “Ata 1” to Tow Near Çanakkale, Turkey
Turkey’s Directorate General of Coastal Safety (KEGM) reported on 25th November that the general cargo vessel Ata 1 encountered a machinery failure while sailing from Bodrum to Ukraine off the coast of Çanakkale Kumkale. No injuries or marine pollution were reported in the incident.
Under the coordination of the Çanakkale Ship Traffic Services Center, the vessel was secured and safely towed to Bozcaada Anchorage. The operation was carried out with assistance from the tugboat Kurtarma 14.
Ata 1 is a 2006-built vessel sailing under the flag of Panama. The vessel measures 118.6 meters in length and 16.2 meters in width.
- Offshore Vessel Allides with Quay at Nit Port Shipyard, Brazil
On 25th November, the multi-purpose offshore vessel Normand Flower allided with the quay at the Nit Port Shipyard, Brazil. No injuries or pollution were reported.
The incident occurred while the offshore vessel assisted by two tugs, was manoeuvering in backward direction but was unable to stop in time and allided with the quay. The impact caused a breach above the waterline on the vessel’s port-side stern, including a ruptured water tank.
The quay also sustained significant damage in the allision.
Normand Flower is a 2002-built vessel sailing under the flag of Brazil. The vessel measures 93.1 meters in length and 21.03 meters in width.
