On the evening of August 20, the USS New Orleans caught fire in the South China Sea off Okinawa, Japan. The USS New Orleans was at anchor when a fire broke out on the the vessel. The amphibious transport dock ship requested assistance with the Japanese Coast Guard responding. United States Navy reports that it took 12 hours by the combine efforts before the fire was eventually extinguished. Two sailors on the USS New Orleans sustained minor injuries. The Navy has launched an investigation into the incident. The cause of and extent of damage by the fire was not disclosed. No pollution was released.
On the morning of July 23, the fishing vessel Unity World sank in Nasugbu Bay off Fortune Island, Nasugbu, Batangas, Philippines. The Unity World had departed from Navotas City with 40,000 litres of diesel fuel bound for Cuyo, Palawan to deliver the fuel and pick up a cargo of fish. The fishing vessel encountered rough seas caused by typhoon Emong off Fortune Island forcing the crew to abandon ship. All 11 crew on board were able to reach the shore using floatation devices. Authorities stated the crew was given a health check and were in good condition.
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The Unity World would later sink in heavy seas some 2.25 nautical miles off the shoreline. The Philippine Coast Guard was unable to launch due to rough conditions. Authorities have stated that resources are in place and a response team was monitoring the area for pollution.
On December 23, the 142 meter long, 9400 dwt cargo vessel Ursa Major (IMO: 9538892) sank in the Mediterranean Sea some 58 miles off the coast of Almeira, Spain. The Ursa Major had departed from St. Petersburg, Russia on December 11 and reported to be bound for Vladivostok with empty containers in the hold, cargo hatches for icebreakers and two cranes on deck. While sailing between Spain and Algeria, the vessel suffered an explosion in the engine room. The crew had been trying to fix the fuel line to the main engine when vapors ignited. The explosion damaged the main engine resulting in a power blackout and hull damage. The vessel’s hull had partially blown out resulting in uncontrolled water ingress. Unable to contain the flooding, the vessel developed a starboard list.
Fourteen of the 16 crew on board abandoned the Ursa Major in the vessel’s lifeboat. Spanish authorities were alerted and the Salvamento Maritimó sent out two vessels and a helicopter to assist. All 14 crew would be rescued and safely transported to the port of Cartagena, Spain. A Russian warship arrived on scene a short time later and took charge of search and rescue operations. No further details on the 2 missing crew.
Photo: x.com
Photo: x.com
The Ursa Major would later sink the following morning on December 24. Authorities have alerted of the possible damage from drifting wreckage around where the vessel sank. News reports outside of Russia state the Ursa Major was most likely headed for Syria or Libya and not Vladivostok.
