GEORG BUECHNER lost during transfer to KLAIPEDA (UPDATE with confirmation)
IMPORTANT UPDATE: Polish Coast Guard confirms that GEORG BUECHNER sank at approximate position 54.55871'N / 18.31,308'E in unknown depth northeast off Rozewie Lighthouse. This is the position indicated in below screenshot. Navigational warnings issued.
FleetMon Explorer indicates ship was lost in obstructed area at depth between 20-30m.
The GEORG BUECHNER was an iconic part of the history of both the city of Rostock and Belgian colonial history, leading to much debate and public participation when it came to decide on its fate. Eventually, GEORG BUECHNER was towed to Klaipeda for scrap. Read the story here.
During transfer, the Tug AJAKS suddenly changed its destination from Klaipeda to Gdansk at 07:55 pm 30.05.2013 at high speed 10kn after trawling the GEORG BÜCHNER from Rostock with apprx. 4kn.
AJAKS is obviously not connected any longer to the vessel, but there is no other tug around giving its position via AIS. The trail looks like "man over board" manouver.
Options are:
- GEORG BUECHNER is with a new TUG (name and course unknown)
- GEORG BUECHNER drifting alone (where is help?)
- GEORG BUECHNER is sunken
we will monitor the situation via FleetMon Explorer:
http://www.fleetmon.com/de/vessels/Ajaks_11914
