On October 27, the container ship Maersk Launceston collided with the Hellenic Navy minesweeper Kallisto off Piraeus. The minesweeper was damaged significanlty, while two crewmembers were injured.
At the time of the incident, AIS data shows that Maersk Launceston was making 16.5 knots and was heading towards south in the Saronic Gulf. A little later it slowed to five knots, turned to starboard and returned to a point on its previous trackline.
According to the operator of Maersk Launceston, there were no injuries on board the containership. He also added that the vessel has activated its emergency response procedures and the crew has been participating in the rescue operation for the seafarers of the naval vessel.
The Kallisto is a former Royal Navy Hunt-class mine countermeasures vessel built in 1987. It was constructed of nonmetallic material (fiberglass) in order to reduce its magnetic signature.
After the accident, photos show that Launceston struck Kallisto on the port side and cut it in half. Kallisto’s back deck and stern drifted away and sank, and the forward half of the ship took on a heavy list.
