Two Cargo Ships Stranded In Ice Near Estonia, Rescue Efforts Underway

Two cargo ships, the Portuguese-flagged “BUGOE” and the Latvian-flagged “FRIENDLAND,” became stranded due to severe winter weather conditions close to Estonia. The vessels between the Baltic Sea, the Gulf of Finland, and the Gulf of Riga became anchored by strong nighttime winds and drift ice.

With about thirty miles per hour winds, the 4,700-dwt Latvian-flagged ship FRIENDLAND encountered drift ice that blocked its shipping channel. The ship became stuck in the ice and sent a distress call, even with its high ice class A1 hull. Fortunately, FRIENDLAND could continue its voyage to Finland after the “Toll,” a 5000 dwt ferry run by TS Laevad ferries, successfully cleared a channel and escorted it to open waters.

The Portuguese-flagged BUGOE, on the other hand, was stuck in shallow waters near the edge of the Väinameri Bay after deviating off course due to ice flows and severe winds. Unfavourable weather hindered the efforts of local tugs and pilot boats to rescue the people. Until the winds calm and the water levels stabilise, BUGOE will stay stranded.

Severe ice conditions were reported by Estonia’s maritime services, which were made worse by a persistent winter storm with strong winds. Because of the extreme weather, the Estonian government and the local transport authority stopped providing pilot services for vessels seeking to be escorted in the area.

The Portuguese ship is still stuck and is expecting a shift in the wind and better weather to enable it to return to Roomassaare Port on Saaremaa island in the northern Gulf of Riga. In contrast, the Latvian ship sought help and continued its journey.

Reference: Fleetmon

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Source: Maritime Shipping News