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Pipes lost by tug washed up on Norfolk coast

The recovery of four giant plastic pipes washed up on the Norfolk coast may take several weeks. Norwegian manufacturer Pipelife Norge said the 2,4-m diameter pipes broke loose from the "MTS Viscount" when it was hit by the container ship "Samskip Courier" on July 19. The beached segments, the longest of which measures 480 meters, washed up at Winterton and Sea Palling. DutchMarine BV supported by Marine Towing Services are working to remove the four beached pipes. The pipes were being towed to Algeria for use in an energy project by the "MTS Viscount". Up to seven tugboats and two diving teams would assist the salvage operation which was underway by Aug 15. Returning the pipes to Norway may take several weeks and involved them first being relocated to an offshore site near Lowestoft. The circumstances surrounding the parting of the pipes from their tow was subject to further investigation of the MCA. The pipes were not believed to pose any other danger of, or potential for, pollution. Report with photo and video: http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-norfolk-40898828 http://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-england-norfolk-40939644/norfolk-beach-giant-pipe-salvage-under-way

Collision off Dunkerque

On July 19, 2017, at 3 a.m. the MRCC Dover reported to the CROSS Gris-Nez that the container ship "Samskip Courier" had struck the "MTS Viscount" which was pulling floating pipes from Rotterdam to Arzew at a 1.100 meter-towing-wire. The accident happened about 30 miles NW of Dunkerque in the British zone. No injuries were reported on board the two ships, and the incident caused no pollution. Both ships suffered slight damage. The container ship continued its voyage from Tilbury to Rotterdam, arriving there at 11.30 a.m. The "MTS Viscount" was forced to release the towing cable. Currently, the tug's crew was trying to recover the cargo and reestablish the tow. The Dover MRCC, which coordinated this operation, was in contact with its owner, who dispatched several tugs to assist in the maneuver. On July 20 the "MTS Taktow" (IMO: 8133827) had arrived on site too. The French maritime prefecture of the English Channel and the North Sea followed the development of the operation.

Tug disabled during salvage operation

The "MTS Viscount" was disabled while assisting the boxship "Samskip Express" tha thad suffered engine failure in the afternoon of Dec 18, 2015, three miles south of Porthleven and had to emergency anchor. The ship was en route from Rotterdam to Dublin. After the anchor dragged, the vessel asked for help in rough weather conditions. A RNLI life boat and the"MTS Viscount" assisted the vessel, trying to get the situation under control. The alarm was first raised on Dec 18 at 2 p.m. when the master of the container ship reported a problem with the vessel's engine and was drifting under anchor off the Cornish coast near Porthleven. It was in a position about three miles off the coast near Mullion suffering with complete engine failure. Am 6 p.m. the volunteer crew of the all-weather lifeboat, "Ivan Ellen", were placed on immediate readiness to launch. Ten crewmen responded to the pager alert and remained on station at Newlyn until the salvage tug "MTS Viscount" was safely alongside and giving assistance to the "Samskip Express". On Dec 19 at 9.39 a.m. the lifeboat crew pagers sounded again, and at 9.44 a.m., in worsening weather conditions, the "Ivan Ellen" and its volunteer crew launched from Newlyn to give assistance to the salvage tug . The tug was about a mile off Newlyn with a rope fouled in its propeller. The sea conditions were rough with a 4m swell, there was a Southerly wind was blowing Force 7-8, with squally showers. The owners of the tug were worried that because of the fouled propeller, and the fact that the vessel had little or no manoeuvrability, getting into Newlyn Harbour would have been very difficult. The owners spoke directly to HM Coastguard at Falmouth and a launch was agreed. The "Ivan Ellen" Went alongside the "MTS Viscount" and towed her safely into Newlyn Harbour. The lifeboat crew returned to Penlee Lifeboat Station and waited for divers to clear the prop on the MTS Viscount. At 11.45 a.m., again at the request of the owners, the "Ivan Ellen" launched from Newlyn and accompanied the "MTS Viscount" back to the "Samskip Express", which was anchored off Porthleven. Due to the strong Southerly wind the vessel had drifted a mile closer to the shore. The lifeboat arrived on scene at 12.40 p.m. and remained on stand-by whilst the crew of the tug attempted to get a tow connected to the "Samskip Express". At the request of the ship's master, the lifeboat went alongside the container ship on two occasions to pick up the messenger rope and convey it to the tug. This was a particularly difficult manoeuvre for the lifeboat and its crew, as both vessels were pitching in the rough sea conditions. Weather conditions on scene were a Southerly gale – Force 8, gusting to 45 knots at times, rough sea with a 4 m swell and heavy squally showers. Eventually a successful tow connection was made and once both vessels were safely underway, the Ivan Ellen steamed back to Newlyn, arriving at 7 p.m. The lifeboat was then made ready for her next service. As of 0600 a.m. on Dec 20, the container ship was moving in southwest direction with five knots speed, escorted by the "MTS Viscount" and the tug "Cannis" (IMO: 8102141). Report with photos and video: http://rnli.org/NewsCentre/Pages/Two-shouts-in-quick-succession-for-Penlee-RNLI.aspx