On March 15, the 180 meter long, 25565 dwt bulk carrier Harriett ran aground in the White Sea off Mudyug Island near Arkhangelsk, Russia. The Harriett had departed from Arkhangelsk escorted by an icebreaker bound for Terneuzen with 20,000 tons of coal. As the vessels proceeded through the ice, the Harriett suffered engine failure and went adrift. The bulk carrier drifted with the ice into shallow water and went hard aground. No reports of injuries. Reports state the Harriett requires lightering before it can be salvaged.
The 59 meter long, 948 dwt tanker Hai Ha 18 suffered an explosion while berthed at Hai Phong, Vietnam. The Hai Ha 18 had been loaded with 900 tons of gasoline when a fuel pump transferring the fuel malfunctioned causing an explosion. A huge fireball erupted from the starboard tank and dense smoke filled the sky. Local authorities dispatched up to 400 firefighters and 15 fire trucks while two vessels attempted to douse the flames. Fearing the fire would get out of control authorities requested the Hai Ha 18 to be taken under tow away from nearby vessels and buildings. Nearby residents were told to be prepared to evacuate if the fire couldn’t be contained. After several hours, the fire was eventually brought under control.
Damage to the starboard hull was severe with part of the hull collapsed by the intense heat of the fire. Booms were placed around the vessel in case the hull ruptures. The Hai Ha 18 still had some gasoline in its cargo tanks after the fire which will be pumped out. No reports of any deaths from the explosion or fire.
The 74 meter long cargo vessel Havris ran aground near Averøy, Norway. The vessel was headed to Åheim from Trondheim when it ran up onto the rocks. The Havris suffered slight water ingress, but the flooding was kept under under control with the vessel’s pumps. A lifeboat arrived on scene a short time later along with a tug. A few hours later the tug pulled the Harvis free. No reports of injuries to the six crew. The Havbris proceeded to Kristiansund under its own power where it will under go surveys.
