The MV Luno, a 4,600 DWT Spanish general cargo ship, lost power in rough seas and high winds and and was blown onto a breakwater south-west of French port city Bayonne. In winds gusting up to blowing up to 110 Km/hr (68 mph), the ship broke in half and sank. The crew was rescued by helicopter. One crew member was reported injured. Diesel oil has been spotted in the water around the sections of the ship. Local marine authorities are reported to be activating their anti-maritime pollution plan. Thanks to Irwin Bryan for passing along the news.
Rescue drama and pollution fears as cargo ship slams into sea dyke in France
Yikes! It goes to show that even with modern ships and engines that the Bay of Biscay is still a dangerous place for mariners. I just hope they are able to do a good environmental clean-up.
When is a breakwater a dike?
As far as I know they are two different things and have two different functions.
We may both be wrong. From the photos, the proper term may actually be a rock groyne.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groyne