The 154 meter long, 10362 dwt reefer Costa Rican Star collided with the 173 meter long freighter DE QIN 88. Both vessels were at anchor when bad weather caused the anchor of the Costa Rican Star to drag. The reefer struck the DE QIN 88’s stern. Both vessels suffered damage with the DE QIN 88 losing its anchor. No reports of injuries.
The 172 meter long, 29995 dwt chemical tanker Theresa Bitung caught fire while en route to Singapore from China. The tanker was proceeding with just ballast between Vung Tau, Vietnam and the Spratly Islands when a fire started in the vessel’s engine room. The blaze quickly grew out of control as it spread through the superstructure. The crew of 26 were able to send out a distress call before they abandoned ship into the lifeboats. Authorities out of MRCC Hainan received the distress call and coordinated rescue efforts. The 58722 dwt bulk carrier Maiden Voyage responded to the scene and rescued all the crew a few hours later. No reports of injuries. The Theresa Bitung was last reported adrift and still on fire. The owners have dispatched a tug and other vessels to scene. No details were provided if the tanker will be salvaged, scrapped or sunk.
The 47 meter long, 597 gt towboat Stephen L. Colby sank on the Mississippi River near Le Claire, Iowa. The towboat was proceeding along the river when it struck a submerged object. The vessel’s hull was damaged and suffered water ingress. The Stephen L. Colby was able to reach the riverbank where it sank in 14 feet of water. No reports of injuries to the 9 crew on board. The towboat released fuel and lubricant oil into the river. The Coast Guard placed 3,000 feet of absorbent booms around the partially sunken vessel. Reports state the vessel had some 89,000 gallons of diesel fuel and oil on board at the time. River traffic was halted for a short time to allow clean up operations. Officials from the Coast Guard and United States Environmental Protection Agency have launched an investigation into the incident.
More photos at qctimes.com
