Ships Collide in Severn Estuary
At half past two on March 7, 2005, Swansea Coastguard were alerted by Severn vessel traffic services (VTS) to a collision between two ships in the Severn estuary. The collision occurred at twenty minutes to two this afternoon between the 17,065 tonne bulk carrier ‘Island Gem’ which was on passage from Bilbao in Spain to Newport with a cargo of steel products with a crew of nineteen, and the 13,410 tonne ‘Bro Traveller’ who was on passage from Pembroke to Cardiff with a cargo of fuel products. Both vessels have sustained some damage, but there are no injuries to crew members on either ship. So far established by the crew of the ‘Island Gem’ is a crack in the accommodation area, four to five metres above sea level. There is no ingress of water reported to either vessel.
Fire at Swansea Coastguard
Rescue Co-ordination Centre at approximately in their Business unit. Fire Brigade was called. Co-ordination Centre. was assessed. fumes are affecting other parts of the building including the Operations Room. run from Milford Haven. as is the case now. relatively quiet for both stations.
Passenger Ship Grounds and Takes on water
Swansea Coastguard are currently coordinating the evacuation of 15 crew from the passenger vessel Balmoral which has hit an underwater object and is taking water. The vessel is currently alongside by the Superferry in Swansea Harbour. It is reported that there is two foot of water in the engine room. No injuries have been reported. Mumbles Coastguard Rescue Team has been sent straight to the area. All the crew are on the upper decks and are wearing lifejackets. The Mumbles inshore lifeboat has also been requested to launch to the vessel and the fire service are requesting all non essential personnel be evacuated. The Welsh Ambulance Service has been contacted and the local fire service rigid inflatable vessel is also on scene and on the shoreline and has pumps available to assist.
