Vilamoura

Vilamoura

Vilamoura

On June 27, the 274 meter long, 158622 dwt suezmax tanker Vilamoura (IMO: 9529293) suffered an explosion in the Mediterranean Sea some 90 nautical miles off Zueitina, Libya. The Vilamoura departed from Zueitina loaded with 1 million barrels of crude oil bound for Gibraltar when it suffered an engine room explosion. The explosion caused a hull breach resulting in water ingress.  The crew were unable to stop the ingress resulting in the engine room being completely flooded leaving the vessel adrift.  Fortunately, there were no injuries and no pollution released.

Reports states the Vilamoura was to be taken under tow and taken to a shipyard in Greece. The cause of the explosion was not disclosed, but some sources speculated the explosion could have been caused by a mine planted by saboteurs. Several prior vessels that had made voyages to Russia have exploded in the recent past. Some security firms believe it was caused by Ukrainian backed forces.

Altay

Altay

Altay
Photo: bbc.co.uk

On the morning of June 27, the 120 meter long, 8184 dwt  bulk carrier Altay (IMO: 9349992) caught fire in the North Sea while berthed at Kingston-upon-Hull, England.  The fire started in the cargo hold that was loaded with 3500 tons of scrap metal. Large gray plumes of smoke enveloped the bulk carrier which forced an evacuation of the crew. The local fire brigade was called out with five fire engines involved in extinguishing the blaze. Nearby residents were advised to keep their windows and doors closed as smoke spread through out the city. No reports of injuries.

Fire fighters stated it would take some time to completely extinguish the blaze.  Witnesses reported there were still thick smoke with a smell of burning rubber in the area 5 hours after the blaze had started. Authorities have stated getting access to the area in the hold where the fire was not feasible. Thus, the fire brigade is unloading the burning scrap onto the quay where it would be extinguished. This operation went all day into early the next morning until the fire was finally extinguished.  Crews remain on site just in case the fire would reignite again.

There has been no reports of the extent of damage to the Altay or to the cargo of scrap. UK authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

Santa Rita

Santa Rita

Santa Rita
Photo: x.com

On the morning of June 26, the 14 meter long fishing vessel Santa Rita (MMSI: 224068130) became disabled in the Bay of Biscay some 32 miles north northwest of A Coruña, Spain. The Santa Rita had its propeller become fouled by fishing gear in its propeller. The vessel requested assistance with the Salvamento Marítimo dispatching the SAR vessel Salvamar Betelgeuse. The Salvamar Betelgeuse took the Santa Rita under tow and proceeded to the port of Cedeira.  No reports of injuries to the four crew.