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Day: January 11, 2025

Bram Force

Bram Force

Bram Force
Photo: radioaurora.com.br

On the evening of January 8, the 93 meter long, 4864 dwt service vessel Bram Force (IMO: 9788409) caught fire in the South Atlantic offshore near Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Bram Force was operating in the Campos Basin near the P-37 platform when a fire broke out in the engine room. Unable to extinguish the blaze, the crew of the Bram Force were safely evacuated by a nearby Maersk vessel. Authorities dispatched multiple tugs to No reports of injuries.

Brazilian authorities stated that it took nearly 12 hours for the fire to be extinguished. The Bram Force was taken under tow and proceeded to Port of Açu where it will be inspected and repaired. Authorities have stated they launched an investigation into the incident.

Dolphin 18

Dolphin 18

Dolphin 18
Photo: dantri.com.vn

On the morning of December 11, the 93 meter long, 7950 dwt cargo vessel Dolphin 18 (IMO: 9216341) sank in the South China Sea some 146 nautical miles north of Riau Islands, Indonesia. The Dolphin 18 was headed to An Giang from Papua New Guinea with 5,300 cubic meters of wood when it suffered undisclosed accident and sent out a distress call. The 18 crew on board were able to abandon ship into 2 life rafts before the Dolphin 18 sank.

Authorities in Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam issued out a maritime notice for nearby vessels to look for the life rafts. Fortunately, the 199 meter long container ship Nicolai Maersk (IMO: 9192454) was close by and safely rescued the 18 crew. Reports state all crew members are in good condition and no reports of injuries. The Nicolai Maersk will transport the crew to Tanjung Pelepas, Malaysia.

Nicolai Maersk

The details as to why the cargo vessel sank have not be disclosed. Reports due state that weather was rough with strong winds reaching near gale force (28 knots) and waves reaching 5 meters high.  No government authority has announced any investigation into the incident. The Dolphin 18 is operated by Hai Phuong Shipping Company Limited based in Vietnam.