Two cargo vessels suffered during the thunderstorm around Gibraltar
October 12, 2008
Spain, Algeciras: Two cargo vessels registered under the flag of Liberia suffered during the thunderstorm at the straight of Gibraltar just in front of Europa point yesterday.
After lost its engine power, bulk carrier Fedra (see photo) ran aground on the reefs and finished by the cliff coast with a split hull. Thirty crewmen were rescued by helicopter and no one was injured. Soon after that, 200-meter vessel split apart sank to the bottom.
Second ship Tawe also ran aground on the reefs in front of Algeciras port and lost some fuel. All 23 crew members were also rescued without any injuries. Damaged vessel Tawe will be tugged to close Algeciras port as soon as possible.
The storm around Algeciras was so hard that two persons were injured on the land, when the roof of an object collapsed to the ground. Strong wind also rooted out some trees and damaged several billboards.
