Parts of the River Rhine in southern Germany were closed to shipping on Thursday July 15th after a rise in water levels following recent heavy rain. River shipping has been stopped around Maxau and Iffezheim, a spokesperson for the German inland waterways navigation agency said. The blockage was likely to remain until the weekend, preventing vessels from sailing to Switzerland, he said.
While the more common problem of recent years – drought and low river levels – stops vessels from carrying full loads, high water means vessels do not have enough space to sail under bridges.
Shipping in northern sectors of the river were still operating.
The US Coast Guard said on Thursday July 15th that it had responded to a boat fire near Carlsbad, California in an incident in which a 50ft boat called Relentless eventually sank. Coast USCG San Diego watchstanders received several reports at about 09:00 local time of a boat being on fire some 7m off the Carlsbad coast. USCG watchstanders sent a helicopter and diverted three USCG vessels. The owner lived aboard the boat and was presumed to have been alone, the USCG said. The USCF arrived on the scene and worked together to extinguish the boat fire while the Jayhawk helicopter crew searched for survivors. The boat sustained significant damage and eventually sank in approximately 1,800ft of water. No survivors were found.
General cargo ship Gullaas (IMO 8700993) ran aground at the northeast coast of Vagsoy island, Vestland, Norway during the afternoon of July 15th, while en route from Sandnes to Vogra island. The ship managed to refloat under its own means and then proceeded to Maloy under its own power. It berthed at Maloy in the evening and remained berthed as of July 16th. By July 17th it had headed to Torangsvag, Norway.
1987-built, Norway-flagged, 1,167 gt Gullaas is owned by Gull Sailor AS care of manager Aasen Shipping AS of Mosterhamn, Norway. It is entered with Hydor AS
Crude oil tanker Prem Pride (IMO 9167203) was reported as arrested in Singapore on July 9th. The arresting solicitor was Haridass Ho & Partners. The vessel was located at the Changi General Purpose Anchorage.
As of July 16th the vessel was reported as underway using engine, heading for Mumbai, ETA July 26th.
1999-built, India-flagged, 61,764 gt Prem Pride is owned by Hindage Oilfield Services Ltd care of Hindustan Oil Exploration Co Ltd (HOEC) of Chennai, India. It is managed by Mercator Ltd of Mumbai, India. ISM manager is Synergy Oceanic Services India of Kerala, India. It is entered with Skuld (Business Unit Skuld Offshore) on behalf of Hindage Oilfield Services Ltd.