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Shipspotters all over the world => Shipping News and information => Topic started by: Chris Mazzella on September 07, 2009, 02:31:18 AM

Title: Algoport Sinks while under tow
Post by: Chris Mazzella on September 07, 2009, 02:31:18 AM
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
Title: Re: Algoport Sinks while under tow
Post by: Magogman on September 07, 2009, 04:56:38 AM
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.
Title: Re: Algoport Sinks while under tow
Post by: Kyle Larabee on September 07, 2009, 01:54:34 PM
That too bad to here. I like looking pics of Great Lakes bulker. It is a real loss of Great Lakes bulker.
Title: Re: Algoport Sinks while under tow
Post by: Chris Mazzella on September 07, 2009, 05:32:58 PM
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.
Title: Re: Algoport Sinks while under tow
Post by: Matt Ruscher on September 07, 2009, 09:47:21 PM
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
Title: ALGOPORT sinks while under tow : photos and videos
Post by: Steve Geronazzo on January 01, 2012, 12:48:57 AM
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 (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 (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 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0BBAad21Bs)

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

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

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

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


Title: Re: Algoport Sinks while under tow
Post by: Kyle Larabee on January 01, 2012, 04:04:37 AM
Vary sad video & pic's  :'(
A sad end to a great laker  :(

Kyle
Title: Re: Algoport Sinks while under tow
Post by: holedrille on January 01, 2012, 10:24:30 AM
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
Title: Re: Algoport Sinks while under tow
Post by: Leon de Hoop on January 01, 2012, 12:09:47 PM
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