Kowloon Bridge
In November 1986, the bulk carrier the Kowloon Bridge was sailing from Quebec to the River Clyde (Scotland) with a cargo of iron ore.However bad weather conditions in the Atlantic Ocean meant that she had to stop in Bantry Bay for damage repairs. Once the repairs were completed, she continued her route. However she lost control during a gale on 22 November 1986 and started drifting. The situation was very alarming.
Two RAF helicopters air-lifted the 28 crew to safety. After a day in heavy seas, the vessel hit the Stagg Rocks, near Baltimore in the south of Ireland. Tugs were unable to prevent the grounding and tow the vessel off the rocks. She broke in 2 parts and sank on 4 December, spilling 1,200 tonnes of bunker fuel at sea. A large number of coves and beaches were badly damaged.
On 4 December, the Kowloon Bridge sank.
The wreck is now a place of interest for divers.
Sources:
- HOOKE, Norman, 1997, Maritime Casualties 1963-1996, second edition, LLP Limited, London
Name: Kowloon Bridge
Date: 22 November 1986
Location: Ireland, Celtic Sea
Accident area: off the coast of Cork
Cause of spill: grounding
Quantity transported: 160,000 tonnes of iron ore
Type of pollutant: bunker fuel
Quantity spilled: 1,200 tonnes of bunker fuel
Ship type: bulk carrier
Date built: 1973
Shipyard: Swan Hunter Shipbuilders Ltd, Belfast
Length: 294.19 m
Width: 44.28 m
Draught: 25 m
Flag: British
Owner: Helinger
Links
Last update: June 2011