Phoenix Jamnagar

Phoenix Jamnagar
Photo: Thai-Mecc

On  the early morning of June 5, the 339 meter long tanker Phoenix Jamnagar (IMO: 9828962) released pollution was unloading crude oil at a mooring off the coast of Si Racha District (13°04.225′ N, 100°46.815′ E) in Chonburi, Thailand. During the unloading a severe storm struck the area. The tanker was hit with strong winds and waves causing the Phoenix Jamnagar drift away from the mooring.

Phoenix Jamnagar
Photo: Thai-Mecc

The tanker’s  protection system automatically decoupled the Phoenix Jamnagar from the pipeline. Unfortunately, after the two disconnected there was a leak in the pipeline system and some 20,000 litres (approximately 5 tons) of crude oil was released into the sea. The leak was eventually stopped but the process took 30 minutes to complete.

Phoenix Jamnagar
Photo: Thai-Mecc

Authorities reported the incident has caused a 10 meter oil slick. A response team quickly deployed containment booms around the spill with one at 300 meters and another at 600 meters. A skimmer device was used to suction off the oil on the surface.  An aerial survey the next day found no visible oil pollution in the area.

There were no visible damage to the Phoenix Jamnagar or to the pipeline.  There were no injuries to any crew during the incident. Authorities have stated the mechanism performed as expected and the oil pollution released was accidental caused by unexpected stormy weather.

 

 

Pacific Memory II

Cosco Development

On the morning of May 20, the fishing vessel Pacific Memory II collided with the 366 meter long, 140609 dwt containership Cosco Development (IMO: 9472139) in the Singapore Strait some 17 miles from Pedra Branca Island, Singapore. Reports state the Pacific Memory II lost stability after the collision causing the vessel to nearly capsize. There was confusion on the fishing vessel as several crew members were asleep at the time of the collision while others were thrown overboard into the water. A nearby 229 meter long, 82740 dwt bulk carrier Andros Spirit (IMO: 9592537) was able to rescue 30 crew members from the Pacific Memory II.  Indonesian authorities transferred the survivors to an Indonesian rescue vessel.

Andros Spirit

No details reported if the Cosco Development sustained any damage from the incident. The number of crew on board the Pacific Memory II was not disclosed. The incident is under investigation.

Papu Mar

Papu Mar
Photo: comexonline.com.ar

On the night of April 17, the 32 meter long towboat Papu Mar (MMSI: 755103015) sank on the Río de la Plata Punta in the Indio Channel near the Banco Chico reef off Argentina. The Papu Mar was pushing the barge 240-4 carrying 140 containers when the towboat suffered uncontrolled water ingress caused by stormy conditions. The crew was unable to control the flooding and the towboat partially sank by the stern. The nine crew on board were able to evacuate the vessel and seek refuge on the barge.  Authorities would later rescue the crew and safely transferred them to Port of La Plata where they would receive medical treatment.

Papu Mar
Photo: comexonline.com.ar

The RN Salvamento dispatched the tug Ona Don Lorenzo (IMO: 9328388) to assess the situation. The tug was found the Papu Mar had completely sunk, but still connected to the barge. The barge would later be uncoupled and towed to Buenos Aires. Authorities were monitoring the sunken towboat for any potential release of pollution. Reports state the vessel owners were arranging the refloating of the Papu Mar. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

Local news reports state the towboat had possibly made an error in judgement to cross the river during the storm. There are suggestions that the rudder room or excessive listing may have allowed water to flood the vessel.

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