One of the biggest cruise ship operators in the world is investigating how two of its vessels struck each other in Mexico
Carnival Glory collided with Carnival Legend during manoeuvres in the port of Cozumel, Mexico on 20 December.
Both ships sustained damage and six passengers had minor injuries from the accident as in the port.
After the incident, Carnival Legend sailed to its homeport of Tampa, Florida for repairs to the bow on 22 December and started its next seven-day cruise voyage.
Carnival Cruise chief executive Arnold Donald told CNBC “We will do a deep investigation on this.” He thinks the accident likely occurred because of a “sudden squall of wind that pushed the ships”.
He confirmed Carnival Glory would be repaired and returned to service as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, in southeast Asia, authorities are investigating how a luxury cruise ship struck a reef in Indonesia on 18 December.
Aqua Blu, with passengers on board, ran aground on a reef off Wajag Island, Raja Ampat Regency, in West Papua, Indonesia.
On the next high tide this cruise ship was refloated and sailed to Batanta island for inspection and repairs. It is thought there is only minor damage to Aqua Blu, but the reef was damaged.
Also this weekend, another ship grounding caught media attention, including reports on the BBC.
General cargo ship CDry Blue grounded on rocks in south-western Sardinia on 21 December. This 2010-built ship left Cagliari bound for Spain with cargo of coffee. Its voyage was halted by a storm and the master decided to head for the St Antioco area for shelter.
CDry Blue struck rocks on the island and required salvage assistance, while its crew of 12 were evacuated.
Also in the Mediterranean, Greek authorities are tendering for a large wreck removal project to remove the wreck of cargo ship Sea Diamond from the waters off Thira Island. This follows an assessment that the wreck is an ongoing environmental hazard, with leaking hydrocarbons and deterioration.
Companies interested in assisting with removal of Sea Diamond have until 20 January 2020 to submit their bids. Authorities have stated a sum of €350M (US$392M) plus VAT at 24% for the complete works.
Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is also tendering for a salvage operation involving container ship YM Efficiency, operated by Yang Ming. AMSA said it is still cleaning up the containers lost overboard. It is now tendering for a salvage operator and will then consult local communities for advice on how the operation should be conducted. It is anticipated that the salvage operation will start in Q1 2020.
Also in the Pacific, a crew of 23 were rescued from burning reefer ship Golden Aspirant, which was due at Yokohama, Japan on 21 December.
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