On September 18, the 138 meter long, 12,864 dwt cargo vessel BBC Vermont suffered an explosion while 490 miles off Scilly Isles, United Kingdom. The BBC Vermont was en route to Montoir, France when there was an explosion on board. Reports state one crew person was killed in the blast. The vessel remains under its own power and is proceeding to Montoir. Details on the explosion have not yet been reported.
On September 17, the 87 meter long 2999 dwt tanker Thailaemthong 8 ran aground in the Gulf of Thailand on the shore of Koh Mai Si, Koh Kood, Thailand. The Thailaemthong 8 was returning to Rayong after delivering a cargo of green oil, a fuel used in local fishing boats, when it suffered an engine breakdown and power failure in bad weather. Waves of 2 to 3 meters pushed the disabled tanker until it grounded on the rocks just offshore. A distress call was sent to authorities, but heavy seas prevented any rescue boats reaching the vessel initially. Eventually, a boat was able to navigate out to the tanker and found the Thailaemthong 8 in stable condition.
The Thailaemthong 8 sustained hull damage and water ingress. The tanker’s engine room has been flooded, but the vessel’s pumps have been able to control the flooding. The tanker is in no danger of sinking. No reports of injuries to the 10 crew on board. There are some concerns of oil pollution being released and the tanker is being monitored. Since there was minimal oil on board, authorities suggest minimal risk of environmental damage.
Reports state the Thailaemthong 8 had dropped anchor and waiting for repairs. No details on salvage or refloating efforts.
On September 16, the 26 meter long, 126 gt tugboat Esenkiyi (IMO: 7434858) became disabled in the Dardanelles near Çanakkale, Turkey. The Esenkiyi was enroute to Bodrum from Ordu with a barge under tow when it suffered a power blackout and engine failure. The tug contacted authorities who dispatched the tugs Kurtarma 15 and Türkeli to assist. The tugs took the Esenkiyi and the barge under tow to Şevketiye where it dropped anchor. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
