MARO aground near Pasajes

[Jos]

The coaster MARO (IMO 8020800) run aground at 2205 utc on March 6 near Cabo Higuer, about 4 miles east of Pasajes port entrance. Six crew members were airlifted and according to the press reports the Captain is still on board. The vessel was on a ballast voyage from Bayonne to Pasajes. Seems like she has water ingress in her engine room as well as in the hold. Tugs ALONSO DE CHAVES, FACAL DIECIOCHO & FACAL DIECINUEVE on scene. Works for bunkers removal in progress. Pictures can be found here

[Jos]

According to the press reports the Captain was evacuated today at 0930 utc. Works for bunkers removal and to refloat the vessel still in progress. High tide around 1615 utc. Swell 3 to 4 meters expected.

[Manuel Hernandez Lafuente]

Also interesting pictures can be found in spanish forum www.fotosdebarcos.com

[Jos]

Vessel still aground. Weather deteriorating. High Tide around 1700 utc. A video can be found here

[Henry23]

It would seem now she is even higher on the rocks due to bad weather. Refloating looking even harder with her hull sustaining heavy damage on bottom.

Charles

[Scotsman]

MARO finally broke into three parts today. Question is, how much bunkers
still on board.  Could not find photos, spanish TV had the film on the evening
news.
Scotsman

[Henry23]

Seemingly enough bunkers were pumped off?

Any pictures of wreck on web etc.....?

Charles

[Jos]

A video of the broken vessel here

[Timsen]

Lots of photos before and aft here
http://www.diariovasco.com/multimedia/fotos/11340.html

[Paco G]

Good job Cantabria,
the whole report shows us how the sea
can play with a ship as it was a little toy.

Those harbours among cliffs, angry weather and shortest visibility,
sometimes to reach the save dock it's just a gently lottery.

[Henry23]

Seeing the recent pictures, only her bow and stern (less bridge) are on the rocks.
Mid section broken up. Have these sunk?

Charles

[mooringman]

Impressive pictures of a very sad story.I know the area very well.Been a lot of times in Passajes.Also i know the vessel under the name "Golf".Where is the middle part with cargo hold?The bridge is gone too.brgds mooringman

[Timsen]

Hi Charlie,
judgin from the pictures I would guess the mid section has completely collapsed and surrendered to the sea. The bow remained intact until the collision bulkhead, and the stern starting with the kofferdam to the machine room which means these are the most stable ship`s sections. Their state seems to have little changed since the ship broke up.
A photo showing the collapsed port side can be seen here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/raul1978/2331159258/