A freighter named White Line has run aground on the northern shores of the Sea of Marmara due to strong winds. The vessel, which arrived near Marmara Port on December 30, drifted from its mooring on Saturday and grounded near the popular Santos Plaji beach. Fortunately, no injuries or pollution were reported.
All 267 individuals aboard the South Korean ferry Queen Jenuvia 2 were rescued after the vessel ran aground near Jindo, echoing the tragic Sewol disaster of 2014. Initial investigations suggest a navigational error. Passengers reported panic after a loud bang, but the ferry remained upright, with weather conditions favorable for rescue.
On July 24, the MN Kostas, a 5,800-ton cargo ship, ran aground off Crete. The Hellenic Coast Guard swiftly evacuated 14 crew members and launched rescue operations. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and there were no signs of sea pollution. Investigations led to the detention of the captain and Bridge Watch Officer.
On July 29, 2023, the City of Louisville, a Mississippi River towboat, ran aground due to the pilot briefly leaving the helm. This incident, driven by human error, underscores the perils of navigating challenging waters. The vessel sustained significant hull damage, leading to costly repairs and highlighting the need for functional safety systems.
On February 15, the MSC Baltic III ran aground near Lark Harbour, Newfoundland, after losing power during a severe winter storm. Canadian SAR teams quickly responded, rescuing 20 crew members, five of whom were injured. The operation showcased effective coordination amidst harsh weather, emphasizing the importance of preparedness in maritime emergencies.
A Chinese cargo ship ran aground off Sakhalin Island, prompting high alert in the Nevelsky district. The An Yang 2, carrying fuel oil, diesel fuel, and coal, is stranded in shallow waters. Governor Limarenko emphasized the need for readiness, with rescue efforts delayed by stormy weather. The incident adds to the ongoing territorial dispute in the region.
A dry bulk carrier named the Maccoa, flagged in Cyprus, is currently grounded in Canada’s St. Lawrence River. The vessel, with no signs of pollution or water ingress, departed Montreal on December 23 but became stuck outside the navigation channel on December 24. The Canadian Coast Guard is working on a plan to refloat the ship.
The RoRo ferry Aratere encountered steering failure and ran aground while departing Picton, causing a setback for the InterIslander service. Despite no immediate danger, concerns arose due to its crucial role in transporting rail cars. KiwiRail’s troubled history with the vessel raises questions about fleet maintenance and the need for new ferries to replace the aging ones.
