On March 25, the 100 meter long, 3996 dwt LPG tanker NP Bangpakong (IMO: 9020455) ran aground in the Gulf of Thailand on the island of Koh Larn, near Pattaya City, Thailand. The tanker had departed from Bang Pakong District to Map Ta Phut Port when it veered onto a rocky outcrop to avoid colliding with a fishing vessel.
An initial inspection of the NP Bangpakong found there were no damage to the cargo tanks. A tugboat was requested to pull the tanker free off the rocks. Authorities state the NP Bangpakong will undergo an inspection for damage. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
On the morning of March 10, the 140 meter long, 9322 dwt container ship Solong (IMO: 9322554) allided with the 183 meter long, 49729 dwt tanker Stena Immaculate (IMO: 9693018) in the North Sea some 10 nautical miles off the Humber estuary near Hull, Lincolnshire, England. The Solong was en route to Rotterdam from Grangemouth, Scotland when it struck the port hull amidships of the Stena Immaculate which was at anchor. Both vessels sustained major damage with the tanker having its tanks ruptured and releasing jet fuel into the sea. After the allision, reports state there were several explosions and fire engulfed the tanker. Observers stated that fuel spilt into the sea has caught fire as well. The crews from both vessels have evacuated and there were conflicting reports of casualties and crew men injured. Latest report states all crew were rescued from both vessels with one crew member injured (subject to be updated later).
UK Authorities dispatched multiple fire fighting vessels aided by the RNLI who launched four lifeboats to the scene. The HM Coastguard
The Stena Immaculate was loaded with jet fuel bound for one of the United States Army military bases located in the United Kingdom. UK Authorities have not released the cause of the allision at this time. Some news accounts suggest the Solong was on autopilot at the time and the vessel never changed course before it struck the tanker. There is speculation that the container ship failed to maintain a proper watch as weather was not a factor in the allision. UK authorities continue to investigate as the situation is ongoing.
On February 21, the 157 meter long, 19800 dwt tanker Natig Aliyev (IMO: 9194000) allided with the anchored 140 meter long, 13596 dwt cargo vessel Begonia S (IMO: 9445540) in the Black Sea in an anchorage near Novorossiysk, Russia. The Natig Aliyev had dropped anchor near Novorossiysk after completing a voyage from Varna. Due to strong winds and heavy seas, the tanker’s anchor began to drag. The Natig Aliyev drifted until it struck the stern of the Begonia S. Both vessels sustained only minor damage with the bow of the Natig Aliyev and the rudder of the Begonia S. Reports state there were no injuries and no pollution released.
