The 119 meter long, 3345 dwt freighter Optimaflot went aground on the Volga-Caspian Canal at marker 150.5. The Optimaflot was headed from Turkmenbashi to Astrakhan with a cargo of 2340 metric tons of diesel fuel. Reports state the vessel was refloated the same day with the assistance from motor vessel M3-149. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution being released.
The 29,990 dwt tanker Orchids had an engine room fire while off the Kannur coast of India. The vessel contacted the Coast Guard which mobilized several fast patrol vessels to the scene. The fire was quickly extinguished and the Orchids is continuing to Kochi under its own power. No reports of injuries or pollution being released. The vessel had left New Mangalore for Cochin Port with a cargo of gaoline.
The 21,370 dwt boxship MSC Maria went aground while leaving St. Petersburg, Russia near Voyennaya Gavan, Kronshtadt Island. The boxship had the pilot still on board when the vessel’s rudder jammed causing the vessel to veer out of the channel and strike bottom. Reports state the hull of the MSC Maria was ok, but pollution had been released. Two tugs are standing by to assist in refloating operations. The MSC Maria had left St. Petersburg bound for Rotterdam.
