The 291 meter long, 82500 dwt LNG tanker Explorer caught fire in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Gujarat, India. The tanker was en route to Dahej when a fire broke out in the engine room. The crew responded and was able to extinguish the blaze, but the fire damage was significant. The LNG tanker was disabled and went adrift. The Explorer requested assistance with multiple tugs responding. The tugs took the Explorer under tow. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
The 108 meter long, 3104 dwt general cargo vessel Orel 4 ran aground on the Volga River near Astrakhan, Russia. The Orel 4 was en route to Astrakhan with 2870 tons of grain when it’s stern touched bottom. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released. Reports state that traffic was not impacted by the grounding.
The 27 meter long, 50 dwt high speed ferry Cacilhas ran aground at the entrance to Macau. The ferry was en route to Macau from Hong Kong with 220 passengers when the vessel struck the Macao breakwater at full speed of 35 knots. Reports state 57 passengers and 1 crewman suffered minor injuries and taken to hospital. No serious injuries reported. The Cacilhas sustained significant damage to its hydrofoils and hull. No pollution reported.
The cause of the incident is under investigation. Some reports stated the weather at the time was reported fine and clear, but the incident occurred during the high tide in which the breakwater was not visible.
More information about the vessel can be found here.