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Month: February 2012

Oberon

Oberon

The 93 meter long, 2980 dwt LPG tanker Oberon ran aground in the Taiwan Strait in Penghu, Taiwan.   The Oberon was proceeding to Maptaphut from Taiphung with 1,000 tons of liquified petroleum gas when it was driven onto a reef by high winds and five meter high waves.  The master contacted the Taiwan Coast Guard for assistance.   The Coast Guard dispatched a helicopter who winched all 16 crew to safety.   The vessel hull was ruptured and the cargo of butane.  Reports state that a slick has formed around the vessel and has drifted some five kilometers.   Authorities has dispatched a response team to contain the pollution.    One report states the tanker may breakup before any salvage can be done.

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Karakumneft Update

Karakumneft Update

Photos from iturup.info

The tanker Karakumneft remains aground off Kurilsk, Iturup island, Russia.  Divers were able to make a survey and found several holes in the vessel’s tanks.   A slick has formed from the leaking diesel fuel.   Reports state there might be as much as 900 metric tons of fuel still on board.    The island lacks the facilities to pump off the remaining fuel.   So, a hose was stretched from ship to the shore and diesel fuel will be pumped into the cars, tank trucks and transported to the shore tanks.  Several vessels have been dispatched to aid with the pollution and salvage operations.   Authorities have conducting an investigation and criminal charges may be filed.

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Hg Xin Yuan Shun 6

Hg Xin Yuan Shun 6

Photo: china.org.cn

The 97 meter long freighter Hg Xin Yuan Shun 6 sank off Hui’an, Quanzhou, Fujian, China.   The freighter loaded with 5,000 tons of pottery clay was en route to Shandong province when it encountered strong winds and rough seas.   The vessel sent out a distress  call before it went down.   The authorities dispatched several vessels and two helicopters.   One crewman out of the 11 on board was found alive and taken to hospital.   Eight bodies were also recovered.  The cause of the sinking was not reported, but it is suspected a cargo shift in the hold caused the vessel to list and capsize in the bad weather.   Authorities also are looking for a possible oil spill from the sunken vessel.

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