The TK Bremen ran aground 100 meters from the Erdeven beach, plague de Kerminhy, between Lorient and the Quiberon peninsula, approximately ten miles from Auray on December 16.
The nineteen crew members were evacuated by a helicopter of the naval aviation base of Lann-Bihoué.
The ship did not carry cargo, however ruptured tanks were causing pollution of the shore. The authorities were preparing a pumping operation to drain the settling tanks which contained 180 tons of fuel and 40 tons of diesel.
The TK Bremen had left the port of Lorient on December 15 to a position north of the island of Groix, to wait for weather improvement before resuming the journey to England. However, in gale force, the vessel began to drift and then asked for assistance of the Regional Operational Centre for Surveillance and Rescue (Cross) Etel. The port tug of Lorient could not provide help due to the inclement weather and two hours later the “TK Bremen” had run aground.
Taking into consideration a large crack in the hull caused by the damage, it is probable that the ship’s structure is not in a condition that may allow the vessel to be refloated.
[mappress]
World Maritime News Staff, December 20, 2011