The Shinkei: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

In a notable incident, the Norfolk coast is currently awaiting the recovery of four enormous plastic pipes that washed ashore following a maritime mishap. These pipes, measuring 2.4 meters in diameter, were reported to have detached from the tugboat MTS Viscount due to a collision with the container vessel Samskip Courier on July 19. The massive beached pipes, with the longest spanning an impressive 480 meters, made landfall at Winterton and Sea Palling. The recovery operation is being spearheaded by DutchMarine BV in collaboration with Marine Towing Services, aiming to remove the stranded pipes from the coast. The MTS Viscount was in transit to Algeria for an energy project when the incident occurred. A coordinated effort involving up to seven tugboats and two diving teams commenced by August 15 to facilitate the salvage. This complex operation will see the pipes relocated to an offshore site near Lowestoft before being returned to Norway, a process expected to span several weeks. The Marine and Coastguard Agency is investigating the circumstances that led to the pipes breaking free, although they have deemed the pipes to pose no immediate environmental risk. For further details, explore the coverage: http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-norfolk-40898828 and view the latest updates in the video coverage at http://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-england-norfolk-40939644/norfolk-beach-giant-pipe-salvage-under-way.

In the early hours of July 19, 2017, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Dover alerted CROSS Gris-Nez about a collision involving the container ship 'Samskip Courier' and the tugboat 'MTS Viscount'. The incident occurred approximately 30 nautical miles northwest of Dunkerque in the British maritime zone at around 3 a.m. The 'MTS Viscount' was engaged in towing floating pipes from Rotterdam to Arzew when the accident occurred, which involved a 1,100-meter towing line. Thankfully, there were no reported injuries on either vessel, and no environmental pollution resulted from the collision. Both ships experienced minor damage but were able to continue operations. The 'Samskip Courier', which was on a voyage from Tilbury to Rotterdam, reached its destination at 11:30 a.m. Meanwhile, the 'MTS Viscount' had to disconnect its towing cable and was in the process of recovering the floating cargo and reestablishing the tow. The Dover MRCC coordinated response efforts and stayed in communication with the tugboat’s owner, who deployed several support tugs to assist. By July 20, the tug 'MTS Taktow' (IMO: 8133827) had also arrived at the scene, with the French maritime prefecture monitoring the situation closely.

On December 18, 2015, the salvage tug 'MTS Viscount' encountered critical issues while aiding the boxship 'Samskip Express,' which had suffered engine failure approximately three miles south of Porthleven. The vessel, en route from Rotterdam to Dublin, had to drop anchor in increasingly challenging weather conditions after its anchor began to drag. At 2 p.m., the alarm was raised when the container ship's master reported the engine malfunction, causing the vessel to drift dangerously close to the Cornwall coastline near Mullion. By 6 p.m., the 'Ivan Ellen,' an all-weather RNLI lifeboat, was put on standby, with ten volunteer crew members ready to respond to the alarming situation. As 'MTS Viscount' drew closer to 'Samskip Express,' the weather deteriorated, prompting further intervention. On December 19 at 9:39 a.m., the 'Ivan Ellen' crew was alerted again to assist the 'MTS Viscount,' which was stranded about a mile off Newlyn with a fouled propeller amidst rough seas featuring a 4m swell and force 7-8 southerly winds. Concerns grew regarding the tug's limited manoeuvrability, which posed challenges for its entry into Newlyn Harbour. Following communication with HM Coastguard in Falmouth, the RNLI lifeboat successfully towed the 'MTS Viscount' back to safety. At 11:45 a.m., on request from the tug's owners, the lifeboat re-launched to return to the 'Samskip Express'. By 12:40 p.m., 'Ivan Ellen' arrived on the scene to assist in establishing a tow, maneuvering through turbulent conditions where both vessels were rocking significantly in the swell. After managing to connect a tow line successfully, the RNLI lifeboat returned to Newlyn at approximately 7 p.m., readying itself for subsequent assignments. As of December 20, at 6:00 a.m., the container ship was reported moving southwest at five knots, aided by 'MTS Viscount' and the tug 'Cannis' (IMO: 8102141). For detailed coverage including photos and videos, visit: http://rnli.org/NewsCentre/Pages/Two-shouts-in-quick-succession-for-Penlee-RNLI.aspx