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Month: May 2014

Shoko Maru Explosion

Shoko Maru Explosion

Photo: Kyoto News
Photo: Kyoto News

The 2242 dwt chemical tanker Shoko Maru exploded while in the Japan Sea off Kobe, Japan.  The tanker was anchored with only ballast after off loading heavy oil at a nearby port when fumes from the cargo tanks exploded.  Seven crew were rescued, but many suffered burns and were hospitalized.  The master of the vessel was reported missing and presumed lost.

The Shoko Maru suffered extensive damage from the explosion and resulting fire.  Coast Guard and fire fighting vessels were able to extinguish the blaze, but the tanker sustained too much damage and sank bow a short time later.  Reports state the explosion was started by a spark while a crewman using a grinder to remove paint off the cargo deck.

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Federal Kivalina

Federal Kivalina

Photo: USCG
Photo: USCG

The 656 foot long, 36563 dwt bulk carrier Federal Kivalina went aground on the St. Lawrence River near the Thousand Islands Bridge.  The vessel had lost steering as it passing through the American Narrows section of the river. The vessel avoided striking the bridge, but ran hard aground resulting in a 2 foot hole in its bow.  Authorities placed booms around the vessel, but no reports of pollution. No reports of injuries.  Traffic on the St. Lawrence River was halted until salvage tugs were able to refloat the vessel a few days later.  The Federal Kivalina was en route to Montreal with 23,000 metric tons of canola seed.

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L’Austral

L’Austral

Photo: noordhollandsdagblad.nl
Photo: noordhollandsdagblad.nl

The 143 meter long passenger cruise ship L’Austral allided with the floodgate entering the IJmuiden.  The L’Austral was entering the lock from the North Sea when it struck the middle lock gate.  The gate sustained some damage, but was still operational. The L’Austral sustained scratches and dents on the bow. No reports of injuries or pollution released. The passenger ship was allowed to proceed on to Hamburg under its own power.

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