Long Tau River Collision

Long Tau River Collision

Glengyle
Photo: tuoitre.vn

On the night of April 25, the 200 meter long, 34152 dwt container ship KMTC Surabaya (IMO: 9821081) collided with the 181 meter long, 37679 dwt bulk carrier Glengyle (IMO: 9727285) on the Long Tau River at An Thoi Dong, Ho chi Minh, Vietnam. The KMTC Surabaya bow struck the Glengyle just forward the superstructure along its port hull nearly breaking the vessel in two. With part of the hull ripped open, the Glengyle sustained uncontrolled water ingress in one of the holds and engine room causing the vessel to partially sink by the stern. The KMTC Surabaya sustained bow damage, but was able to contain the water ingress and was in no danger of sinking. There were no reports of injuries on either vessel.

Vietnamese Authorities responded to the incident and found the Glengyle had released oil pollution resulting in an oil sheen around both vessels. Containment booms were placed to contain the pollution.

Reports state the vessels were still locked together as both vessels drifted towards the shoreline. Salvage plans state the vessels will be pulled away from each other. Authorities state that maritime traffic in the area was not impacted by the incident. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

Federal Tweed

Federal Tweed

Federal Tweed
Photo: nhnieuws.nl

On the morning of April 24, the 190 meter long, 55317 dwt bulk carrier Federal Tweed (IMO: 9658898) caught fire while berthed in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The blaze started in the hold containing a cargo of scrap releasing large quantities of smoke. The local fire brigade was alerted and dispatched fire fighters to the site while asking local residents in the area to close their windows and doors to keep the smoke out. Fire fighters used a crane to remove the scrap from the Federal Tweed‘s holds to the quay where it could be extinguished.  No reports of injuries.

Reports stated that fire fighters were engaged for an extended period in suppression efforts to ensure the fire did not flare up again. The extent of damage caused by the blaze was not disclosed.

 

 

 

 

 

Papu Mar

Papu Mar

Papu Mar
Photo: comexonline.com.ar

On the night of April 17, the 32 meter long towboat Papu Mar (MMSI: 755103015) sank on the Río de la Plata Punta in the Indio Channel near the Banco Chico reef off Argentina. The Papu Mar was pushing the barge 240-4 carrying 140 containers when the towboat suffered uncontrolled water ingress caused by stormy conditions. The crew was unable to control the flooding and the towboat partially sank by the stern. The nine crew on board were able to evacuate the vessel and seek refuge on the barge.  Authorities would later rescue the crew and safely transferred them to Port of La Plata where they would receive medical treatment.

Papu Mar
Photo: comexonline.com.ar

The RN Salvamento dispatched the tug Ona Don Lorenzo (IMO: 9328388) to assess the situation. The tug was found the Papu Mar had completely sunk, but still connected to the barge. The barge would later be uncoupled and towed to Buenos Aires. Authorities were monitoring the sunken towboat for any potential release of pollution. Reports state the vessel owners were arranging the refloating of the Papu Mar. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

Local news reports state the towboat had possibly made an error in judgement to cross the river during the storm. There are suggestions that the rudder room or excessive listing may have allowed water to flood the vessel.