What Crew Members Say About Rubyland

In the early hours of January 20, 2025, at approximately 3:30 a.m. UTC, the cargo vessel Rubyland encountered a serious technical issue while navigating the narrow Engesberg fairway. Departing from Billerud and headed towards Riga, the ship experienced a critical engine failure, coupled with a steering malfunction that left it unable to maneuver effectively in the tight confines of the Holmsundsrännan channel. As the vessel neared the risk of grounding, the onboard pilot promptly requested assistance from a pilot boat to help avert disaster. Fortunately, Rubyland was able to anchor safely just outside the main navigation path. Subsequently, the pilot initiated a call for tugboat support, which allowed the ship to resume its journey at 6:30 a.m. The Rubyland ultimately reached its intended destination port on January 21 at 4:00 p.m., marking the end of a tense situation for the crew and the maritime operation.

On December 16, 2023, the freighter 'Karkloe' commenced its long-awaited towage from the Bay of Saint Brieuc, where it had been anchored with 4,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate. The vessel initially departed from Sweden on November 27, intending to reach Mauritania, but suffered propulsion damage that necessitated repairs in Rotterdam. After adverse weather conditions forced the ship to moor in Saint Brieuc on December 9, it was secured by the tugboat 'Argonaute' during its stay. Thanks to a break in the weather, the tugboat 'Pegasus' (IMO: 9433743) arrived from Rotterdam on December 15, successfully establishing a towing connection. The joint convoy finally set sail on the evening of December 16, escorted by 'Argonaute' until it reached a position north of the Roches Dover plateau. The 'Karkloe' arrived in Rotterdam on December 19, docking at Damen Shiprepair Yard in Wilton Port at 9:35 p.m. for the necessary repairs. After completing its stay, the freighter departed again on January 7, 2024, at 10 p.m., setting course for Nouadhibou, with an estimated time of arrival on January 29.

In a dramatic turn of events on December 8, the cargo vessel 'Karkloe', laden with 4,000 tons of ammonium nitrate, began to drag its anchor as inclement weather swept over Baie Saint Brieuc. Despite the efforts of the tug 'TSM Kermor', the vessel could not be stabilized, prompting the timely deployment of the emergency tug 'Argonautoe' (IMO: 9269518). By 3:30 a.m. on December 9, the 'Argonautoe' successfully took the 'Karkloe' under tow, averting a potential maritime disaster as the freighter drifted closer to the French coastline. As of December 12, the 'Karkloe' remained anchored in the waters of Bay of Saint-Brieuc, approximately 3.5 nautical miles off the coast of Plouézec, awaiting favorable weather conditions for a tow to Rotterdam for necessary repairs. Meanwhile, the 'Argonautoe' stayed on alert to ensure the stranded vessel's security, especially with new gales forecasted on the western part of France. The 'Karkloe' will remain sheltered within the bay until the weather improves for its journey to the Netherlands.