on Nov 1 at 4.20 a.m. the chemical tanker 'Southern Puma' (IMO: 9792008), en route from Antwerp to Bilbao, was in collision with the 'Louisa Bolten', en route from Avonmouth to Aliaga, about 20 nautucal miles from Punta Europa (Lat. 36.0279 Lng. -4.9585) . The 'Southern Puma' informed Salvamento Marítimo that it had suffered damage to one side, while the 'Louisa Bolten' had suffered damage to the bow. Both ships still could navigate safely and there were no personal injuries. After the collision, the SAR vessels 'Luz de Mar', 'Salvamar Denébola 'and Salvamar Atria', as well as a helicopter and a plane, have been deployed by Salvamento Marítimo to inspect the accident area and take samples. During the morning hours, with daylight, the helicopter ‘Helimer 220’ flew over the area and detected a stain coming from the ‘Southern Puma’ that was not very large and from which the ‘Salvamar Denébola’ took samples to deliver them to the Maritime Authority of Algeciras. The same vessel later transferred an inspector from the Maritime Authority to the area and it was expected that another surveillance flight would be carried out on the afternoon to inspect the site . So far there is no evidence that either of the two ships was carrying a dangerous cargo in terms of pollution, although the authorities were waiting to determine the characteristics of the spill. The 'Louisa Bolten' had an ETA at Aliaga as of Nov 6 and resumed sailing at around 11 a.m. UTC. The tanker was ordered to remain at the accident site. The association Verdemar Ecologistas en Acción has asked the Maritime Authority to identify the effects on the sea of the spill of 600 tons of paraffin in the Strait. The environmental group has indicated that the 'Southern Puma' was loaded with paraffin that it planned to unload at the dock of the Moeve facilities (the new name of Cepsa) in San Roque (Cádiz).
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REGAL PRINCESS
Princess Cruises had to cancel a second cruise of the 'Regal Princess' due to technical repairs of the vessel in Galveston. After recently cancelling the ship’s Oct. 27, 2024, sailing, the company announced on Oct 30, that the Nov. 3 departure was not going ahead either, as the technicians have been unable to complete essential repairs. After repositioning from Northern Europe, the 'Regal Princess' was scheduled to offer a cruise to the Western Caribbean. Departing from Galveston, the seven-night cruise featured visits to Cozumel and Costa Maya as well as Roatán. Affected guests will receive a full refund of all money paid to Princess and, as a gesture of goodwill, a 25 % future cruise credit (FCC)), which can be used for new bookings made by May 31, 2025, and sailing by May 31, 2026. Guests who used Princess’ EZair program saw their flights automatically cancelled before receiving a full refund. Passengers who made independent travel arrangements were encouraged to contact their airline provider or travel advisor directly for assistance. Princess will reimburse guests’ air change fees up to $200 per person.
SOUTHERN PUMA
On Nov 1, 2024, at 4.20 a.m. the 'Southern Puma', en route from Antwerp to Bilbao, was in collision with the bulk carrier 'Louisa Bolten' (IMO: 9406049), en route from Avonmouth to Aliaga, about 20 nautucal miles from Punta Europa (Lat. 36.0279 Lng. -4.9585) . The 'Southern Puma' informed Salvamento Marítimo that it had suffered damage to one side, while the 'Louisa Bolten' had suffered damage to the bow. Both ships still could navigate safely and there were no personal injuries. After the collision, the SAR vessels 'Luz de Mar', 'Salvamar Denébola 'and Salvamar Atria', as well as a helicopter and a plane, have been deployed by Salvamento Marítimo to inspect the accident area and take samples. During the morning hours, with daylight, the helicopter ‘Helimer 220’ flew over the area and detected a stain coming from the ‘Southern Puma’ that was not very large and from which the ‘Salvamar Denébola’ took samples to deliver them to the Maritime Authority of Algeciras. The same vessel later transferred an inspector from the Maritime Authority to the area and it was expected that another surveillance flight would be carried out on the afternoon to inspect the site . So far there is no evidence that either of the two ships was carrying a dangerous cargo in terms of pollution, although the authorities were waiting to determine the characteristics of the spill. The 'Louisa Bolten' had an ETA at Aliaga as of Nov 6 and resumed sailing at around 11 a.m. UTC. The tanker was ordered to remain at the accident site. The association Verdemar Ecologistas en Acción has asked the Maritime Authority to identify the effects on the sea of the spill of 600 tons of paraffin in the Strait. The environmental group has indicated that the 'Southern Puma' was loaded with paraffin that it planned to unload at the dock of the Moeve facilities (the new name of Cepsa) in San Roque (Cádiz).
QUEEN OF SURREY
On Nov 1, 2024, the 'Queen of Surrey' suffered a mechanical problem, which meant that at least three morning sailings had to be cancelled. Affected were the 7:30 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. departures from Horseshoe Bay, and the 8:40 a.m. departure from Langdale.. The issue was affecting the vessel’s propeller. An engineering team of BC Ferries was working to address the issue. To support customers in the meantime, the operator arranged three water taxis with capacity for up to 12 passengers each, beginning with the 6:20 a.m. departure from Langdale.
O CANTINO
On Nov 1, 2024, the 'O Cantiño' with nine crew members on board requested towing assistane 15 nautical miles off the shore after the fishing gear had got entangled in the propeller, disabling the ship. The MRCC of Salvamento Marítimo in Finisterre mobilized the SAR vessel 'Salvamar Alioth', which took the ship in tow and safely pulled it to the port of Burela.