General cargo ship RMS WANHEIM reported propulsion failure at around 0800 UTC Mar 16 in Biscay Bay SW of Brest, while en route from Rotterdam to Psajes Spain with cargo of steel. Crew tried to fix the problem, the ship being monitored by MRCC Corsen France. By 2030 UTC the ship was still disabled, drifting, owner had to comply with French Maritime Authorities request or order to sign towage contract with Societe Abeilles, and hire tug ABEILLE BOURBON for towage. Tug was already nearby, towage commenced at around 2030 UTC, RMS WANHEIM is to be towed to Brest. As of 0430 UTC Mar 17, caravan was under way to Brest, ETA Mar 17.
General cargo ship RMS WANHEIM, IMO 8920268, dwt 2620, built 1990, flag Liberia, manager SKY MARE NAVIGATION CO, Greece.
