On August 25, the 171 meter long, 34,801 dwt tanker Sredina (IMO: 9236975) became disabled on the northern approach to the Bosporus. The Sredina was en route to Benghazi from Novorossyisk when it suffered engine failure entering the Bosporus. The tanker went adrift and became a hazard to shipping traffic. Authorities dispatched three tugs to assist the Sredina. The tugs were able to take the tanker under tow and proceeded to an anchorage off Türkeli. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
On August 28, the 180 meter long, 34,467 dwt bulk carrier Obahan C (IMO: 9748253) collided with the 180 meter long, 42,904 dwt bulk carrier Nord Singapore (IMO: 9913535) on the Parana River near the 337 kilometer mark near Ramallo, Argentina. The Obahan C had departed from San Lorenzo bound for Cameroon with some 15,000 tons of soybeans when it approached the Nord Singapore was approaching upstream in ballast bound for San Lorenzo to load 31,000 tons of corn for Malaysia. The two bulk carriers failed to signal and confirm a pass port to port and the Nord Singapore struck the Obahan C. The Obahan C had hull damage on its port side above the waterline and one of its lifeboat partially crushed. The Nord Singapore also sustained some hull damage. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
Both vessels were detained and ordered to nearby anchorages off Ramallo. Argentine authorities have dispatched patrol vessels to inspect and damage and ensure navigation on the Paraná River is safe. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. Reports do state there were pilots on board both vessels at the time of the collision.
The Sounion was impacted by three projectiles on the starboard quarter damaging the engine room
A fire in the engine room had been contained, but the fire and explosion had caused a power blackout on the tanker
The crew was able to abandon ship with one crew member sustaining a minor injury
The Sounion was able to drop anchor
August 23
A second attack was executed on the abandoned 274 meter long, 163,759 dwt oil tanker Sounion (IMO: 9312145). Explosive charges were placed on the deck and detonated resulting in further explosions and fires on at least five sections on the main deck. The Sounion appears to still be afloat, but reports state the vessel’s structural integrity is at high risk.
Photo: EUNAVFOR ASPIDES
Photo: EUNAVFOR ASPIDES
Photo: EUNAVFOR ASPIDES
Photo: EUNAVFOR ASPIDES
August 28
An attempt to salvage the Sounion ended in failure. Two tugs were dispatched with plans to bring the tanker under tow to a safety, but these tugs were threatened with being attacked and the salvage attempted was called off. United States military reports that the Sounion has begun leaking crude oil, but no oil sheen is visible around the tanker. With over one million barrels of crude oil onboard, the Sounion has a potential of leaking nearly 4 times as much oil as released by the Exxon Valdez (257,000 barrels released in 1989). Reports state the Sounion could easily break apart as the tanker’s integrity continues to fail caused by the damage and fires.
Photo: EUNAVFOR ASPIDES
Photo: EUNAVFOR ASPIDES
Photo: EUNAVFOR ASPIDES
Photo: EUNAVFOR ASPIDES
August 29
Reports state salvage vessels and tugboat will be allowed to proceed to the Sounion. Multiple countries had made a plea to allow salvage in order to avoid environmental disaster which prompted the policy change. No details on how quickly the salvage team can reach the tanker and if the structural integrity will allow it to be towed to a secure location. It is assumed the priority is to extinguish the fires and cool down the hull before any lightering or taking the vessel under tow.
