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Month: May 2020

Collision off Riau Islands

Collision off Riau Islands

Samudra Sakti
Photo: seanews.com.tr

On May 11, the 151 meter long, 23573 dwt bulk carrier Samudra Sakti and the 299 meter long, 86018 dwt container ship Shahraz collided and stranded in the Strait of Singapore near Sambu Island, Batam, Riau Islands. The Shahraz was headed for Shanghai while the Samudra Sakti was bound for Bayah.  Reports state the vessels had to make a last minute course change to avoid striking a tug crossing their path. Authorities tried to alert both vessels of the potential collision and grounding, but it was too late. The Samudra Sakti struck the Shahraz amidships before both vessels went aground.

The Shahraz sustained hull damage with several large dents along with cracks above and below the waterline. The Samudra Sakti sustained on minor damage to its bow.  No reports of injuries or pollution released.

Authorities dispatched multiple patrol vessels to the scene. Authorities were able to refloat the Samudra Sakti later the same day.  The bulk carrier proceeded to a nearby anchorage where it was to be inspected. Reports state the Shahraz remained aground as the boxship was to be inspected while a salvage plan was being created. The name of the tug that caused the incident has not been released.

Jag Leela

Jag Leela

Jag Leela
Photo: bisnis.com

The 284 meter long, 105525 dwt tanker Jag Leela caught fire in the Malacca Strait while berthed in the PT Waruna Nusa Sentana shipyard at Belawan, Indonesia. The fire started after an explosion in the aft section of the Jag Leela. The fire quickly spread to nearby vessels and the tanker was enveloped by dense black smoke caused by crude oil burning in the cargo tanks. Reports state there were several additional explosions as the blaze consumed the aft section and superstructure.

Authorities dispatched multiple fire brigades and fire boats to the scene. Water cannons were deployed and cranes we placed to spray water onto the Jag Leela.  Fire fighters were able to finally extinguish the blaze after 7 hours.

Search and rescue teams searched the Jag Leela for survivors of the fire and explosion. Rescuers found 31 survivors on board the tanker with 22 of them requiring medical treatment for burns and other injuries. The operation also discovered seven crew who perished by the fire or explosion. Reports state the crew were found trapped below deck and were unable to escape the blaze.

Authorities have started an investigation into the incident. Reports state authorities had some difficulty reaching portions of the tanker due to the high heat inside some of the interior cabins. The Jag Leela was severely gutted by the fire and no word if the vessel will be salvaged or scrapped.

Hochdonn

Hochdonn

Hochdonn
Photo: boyens-medien.de

The 28 meter long ro-ro passenger ferry Hochdonn collided with the 90 meter long, 4539 dwt cargo vessel Scheldebank on the Kiel Canal in Hochdonn, Germany.  The ferry was struck by the Scheldebank in dense fog resulting in heavy damage to the port side of Hochdonn. A vehicle on the ferry was also damaged. The Scheldebank had slight damage to its bow.  No one was injured on either vessel. The Hochdonn was taken out of service and replaced with another ferry.

The water police have not reported the cause of the collision. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.