The Irmgard: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

On June 8, 2025, at approximately 7 p.m., the bulk carrier 'Irmgard' found itself aground at the entrance of Burgas port, halting the passage of larger vessels. The incident occurred during a navigation maneuver, leading the ship to stray from the center of the narrow channel and become stranded near the port's entrance lighthouse, approximately 150 meters away from the facility. The 'Irmgard' was carrying a bulk load of agricultural fertilizer, designated as non-hazardous, intended for unloading at Burgas. Fortunately, officials confirmed there was no risk of environmental contamination as a result of the grounding. Local tugboat services quickly mobilized, and the warships on standby at the port were dismissed. Meanwhile, tourist boats operating the Burgas-St. Anastasia Island route continued to operate without interruption, although larger commercial vessels could not navigate through the channel. A diver was dispatched to assess the grounding location, and following the inspection, negotiations commenced with towing companies for the necessary equipment to refloat the grounded vessel. The tugs 'Alioth' (IMO: 9981908) and 'Alcor' (IMO: 9974814) from the BMF Tag Service fleet successfully towed the bulk carrier free on June 10. The operation was overseen by Capt. Todor Korunchev, manager of BMF Tag Service and captain of one of the tugs. For more detailed reports with accompanying photos and videos, visit the following links: [Eranova](https://www.eranova.bg/zasednaliyat-korab-v-burgas-blokira-dostapa-na-drugi-plavatelni-sadove-(snimki)-13639), [BTA](https://www.bta.bg/en/news/907772-stranded-liberian-flagged-ship-blocks-traffic-for-large-vessels-at-port-of-burga), [BNR](https://bnr.bg/en/post/102169507/ship-loaded-with-agricultural-fertilizers-gets-stuck-in-shallows-in-the-port-of-burgas), [Maritime.bg](https://www.maritime.bg/123495/), [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IEzhUzkhpM).