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Day: October 2, 2024

Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon
Photo: focustaiwan.tw

On the early morning of October 1, the 229 meter long, 79,471 bulk carrier Blue Lagoon (IMO: 9481427)  ran aground off Orchid Island, Taiwan. The Blue Lagoon departed from Caofedian, China with 67,500 tons of iron ore bound for Singapore when the bulk carrier stranded in rough seas caused by Typhoon Krathon.  The vessel ran up on the rocks sustaining hull damage and water ingress. The engine room quickly flooded as the pumps were unable to contain the water ingress. A distress call was sent out and authorities dispatched helicopters from the National Airborne Service Corps to the scene. The helicopters were able to lift all 19 crew off the Blue Lagoon safely to shore where they were examined by medical personnel.  No reports of injuries.

Authorities state that oil had been found in the water near the Blue Lagoon. Reports suspect the vessel’s fuel tanks had ruptured allowing some of the 227 tons of fuel oil on board to spill out into the sea. The local environmental bureau has been requested to contain the oil slick and conduct clean up operations.

Banglar Jyoti

Banglar Jyoti

Banglar Jyoti
Photo: bdnews24.com

On the morning of September 30, the 138 meter long, 14,541 dwt tanker Banglar Jyoti (IMO: 8508943) exploded while unloading crude oil in Chittagong, Bangladesh. The Banglar Jyoti was under going routine maintenance/repair work on the forecastle when oil vapors ignited. The resulting explosion ripped open the deck at the forepeak and setting the vessel on fire. Local authorities aided by the Coast Guard, Bangladesh Navy and fire fighters were able to bring the fire under control a few hours later. Three crew were killed by the blast. No further details reported if any other people were injured.

Reports stated that only 800 tons of crude oil had been discharged at the time of the explosion with some 10,900 tons still on board the tanker. All crude oil will be unloaded if the vessel is found safe and machinery is still operational.  Reports state the Banglar Jyoti will be taken to a shipyard for inspection and possibly be salvaged and put back into service. However, the Banglar Jyoti was built in 1987 and past its operational lifespan.

Local authorities nor ship owners have disclosed if the tanker had followed inerting procedures or if the vents were open at the time of the explosion. Inerting has been adopted widely after the SS Sansinena exploded in Los Angeles harbor in 1976.  Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.