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[Chris Mazzella]

The Algoport broke in half and sank overnight in heavy seas while under tow to China. The vessel was encountering rough seas from Tropical Storm Dujuan that had passed near the vessel's position.  The tow was about one week away from her destination and the Port sank in approximately 5,000 metres of water.

The tug Atlantic Hickory managed to cut the tow wire before the vessel sank, and there are no injuries reported in the accident. While the Algoport did have some fuel oil onboard to power its generators, the fuel is contained in the bunker tanks with all vents closed as a requirement of the tow. The tug reported that no signs of pollution or debris were evident after the vessel's sinking.

The Algoport was being towed to Chengxi Shipyard to have a new forebody attached over the winter.

From Boatnerd.com

[Magogman]

The Algoport was a Great Lakes bulker owned by Algoma Central Ltd of Canada.  She was built in 1979.  This is a real loss since Great Lakes bulkers are not replaced when they sink or are scrapped.  In some cases they are replaced by a tug/barge combination which, from a Great Lakes shipspotter's perspective, is just not the same.  Thus when we lose a "laker" the noose is tightened somewhat on traditional Great Lakes shipping.  We are sad to hear of the Algoport's demise.  Gone but at least we have photos of her.

[Kyle Larabee]

That too bad to here. I like looking pics of Great Lakes bulker. It is a real loss of Great Lakes bulker.

[Chris Mazzella]

It is a terible lose, but when the Algobay which is currently in China being refitted with a new forebody and should return to the lakes soon and will take over the Algoport's runs.

[Matt Ruscher]

WOW thats really all i can say, that usually just happens to the ships going to the bone yard. a sad loss indeed, glad i caught her before I left the lakes

[Steve Geronazzo]

It's been a while since the ALGOPORT sank in the East China Sea, south of Japan but have recently found photos and videos of the sinking.

To view the pictures :

http://www.dieselduck.ca/images/algoport/index.htm Source : www.dieselduck.ca (Martin Leduc)

Book authored by Chris Torrence :
http://www.amazon.com/M-V-Algoport-Chris-Torrence/dp/tags-on-product/0557162823

Videos :

The day before the sinking :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0BBAad21Bs

Algoport Breaking her back, and taking on water :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPuRaxVjW7s

Algoport for-part going under :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6dOiwmkn48

Algoport after Half going vertical :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZP2qe_pcA7k

Algoport finaly going down :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZS82EKlUyc

[Kyle Larabee]

Vary sad video & pic's 
A sad end to a great laker 

Kyle

[holedrille]

What does a tug do with it's tow rope when the tow sinks in deep water?
Does it have a weak link that snaps?
Do they cut it?
Do they run it out to the end?
Could the sinking tow take the tug down?
Holedriller

[Leon de Hoop]

Normally when a tow runs into trouble there's no way to disconnect from your tow.
The only way to get into safety is let go off the brake of the towing winch and let the wire go.
You loose the wire but you get away safe.
And Yes, it's a very great possibility that the sinking tow will drag the tug with her, it happened already several times

Cheers

Leon

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