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Month: August 2017

Cheshire

Cheshire

Cheshire
Photo: canarias7.es

On August 13, the 190 meter long, 56598 dwt bulk carrier Cheshire exploded and caught fire in the Atlantic Ocean near Gran Canaria, Canary Islands. The Cheshire was headed for Thailand from Norway with 40,000 tons of ammonium nitrate when the crew was alerted there was a fire in the cargo holds.

CHESHIRE

The vessel wanted to divert to Las Palmas on Canary Island, but authorities at Las Palmas refused entry of the bulk carrier. They were concern of the possible explosion in the harbor like that of the SS Grandcamp in 1947 in Texas City. When that vessel’s cargo of 960 tons of ammonium nitrate exploded, it destroyed some 1000 buildings and killing over 450 persons.  The Cheshire was loaded with more than 40 times more than the SS Grandcamp and was ordered to stay offshore.

On August 14, authorities had their caution confirmed. The ammonium nitrate had exploded in Hold No. 4 on the Cheshire followed by several smaller explosions. A fire burned in the hold spewing out dense smoke. With the situation becoming increasingly dangerous, the 24 crew on the Cheshire abandoned ship being evacuated by two rescue helicopters.

The next morning found the Cheshire still burning, but afloat. The bulk carrier’s owners had considered scuttling the Cheshire, but changed their minds. With Salvors nearby, the owner’s planned to extinguish the blaze and tow the bulk carrier back to port. A salvage vessel along with a tugboat were dispatched to monitor and assess the situation.

The latest reports stated the Cheshire continues to spew out smoke from the cargo holds, but there were no flames or visible fire. The hatch cover over cargo hold No. 4 was damaged and there was still intense heat coming from the hold.  Salvors will attempt to cool the hold with water before towing the bulk carrier to port.

 

 

Clia

Clia

Clia
Photo: udn.com

On August 14, the 229 meter long bulk carrier Clia ran aground off Xingda, Taiwan.  The Clia was proceeding with 80,000 tons of coal to Kaohsiung when it grounded in shallow water. Reports state the vessel had grounded on a sandy shoal and there was no signs of hull damage.  A tugboat was dispatched to the scene to aid in refloating the bulk carrier. The tug’s initial attempt to refloat the Clia had failed. Another attempt will be done in a few days with high tide. Authorities have patrol vessels monitoring the situation. No reports of injuries or pollution released.

Clia
Photo: udn.com

 

CSCL Jupiter

CSCL Jupiter

CSCL Jupiter
Photo: shipspotting.com

The 366 meter long, 155480 dwt container ship CSCL Jupiter ran aground on the Wester Scheldt River near Bath, Netherlands. The CSCL Jupiter had departed from Antwerp bound for Hamburg when it suffered steering failure. The boxship ran hard aground leaving its bulbous bow nearly high and dry. No reports of injuries or pollution released.

The CSCL Jupiter requested assistance with 10 tugs responding. The tugs attempted to pull the container ship free, but the vessel remained stuck. Traffic on the Scheldt was halted. Reports state there is a backlog of vessels awaiting to enter and depart from Antwerp.

A survey was being conducted to see if the CSCL Jupiter has suffered hull damage. Another attempt to refloat the container ship will be done on the next high tide.