Cargo Ships Collide off Latvia

zoomMaersk Etienne The Danish-flagged tanker Maersk Etienne and Panama-registered dry bulk carrier Coral Opal collided in Irbe Strait off Latvia, January 18, while performing what the Coast Guard Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre Riga (MRCC Riga) described as a dangerous maneuver. MRCC Riga immediately dispatched a helicopter to carry out a visual inspection for oil leaks, which revealed no pollution to the sea. MRCC Riga also sent a rescue boat KA-14 Astra to conduct an inspection of the damage and aid the crews. No injuries have been reported so far. The Coral Opal suffered a small leak in its ballast tank, which did not affect the vessels buoyancy. The 78090  dwt Coral Opal received orders to proceed to the Port of Ventspils, while the 36941 dwt Maersk Etienne continued towards the Port of Riga, in accordance to its schedule. World Maritime News; Image: Latvijas armija/Flickr