Browsed by
Author: Paul Hancock

MSC Elsa 3

MSC Elsa 3

MSC Elsa 3
Photo: Indian Navy

On the early morning of May 24, the 184 meter long, 22994 dwt container ship MSC Elsa 3 (IMO: 9123221) capsized and sank in the in the Arabian Sea some 38 nautical miles southwest of Kochi, India. The MSC Elsa 3 departed just a day before from Vizhinjam bound for Kochi with 640 containers when it suffered water ingress along its starboard hull.  The flooding could not be controlled and one or more holds became flooded.  The container ship developed a sharp list to starboard.

The 24 crew on board the MSC Elsa 3 had set out a distress call before abandoning into 2 life rafts. Indian authorities dispatched vessels and aircraft in a search and rescue for the survivors. The Indian Coast Guard rescued 21 of the crew while 3 crew members remained on board in hopes to salvage the container ship.  Before any salvage plans could be executed, weather conditions worsen and the Indian Navy removed the final 3 crew members off the MSC Elsa 3.  The Container ship would finally roll over onto its starboard hull and sink.  No reports of injuries.

Authorities state there is concern of both oil and hazardous cargo pollution being released from the incident. A large oil slick was visible over the area where the container ship sank and multiple containers were adrift in the water. The MSC Elsa 3 had 25 containers of hazardous cargo along with 367 metric tons of fuel oil and 84 tons of diesel fuel. Indian Authorities have deployed teams to monitor the area for pollution. Alerts to the public warned of oil pollution may washup along the shoreline and should keep distance from any containers that reach shore. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

The MSC Elsa 3 had a prior incident in 2016. The container ship had struck a bulk carrier in an anchorage off Yemen and sustained some damage to its forecastle.

 

Torvang

Torvang

Torvang
Photo: NSSR

On the morning of May 23, the 68 meter long, 2218 dwt cargo vessel Torvang (IMO: 6902808) capsized on the Kornstadfjorden while berthed at a quay in Averøy, Norway. The Torvang had finished loading a cargo of gravel when it lost stability and capsized onto its port hull. The five crew onboard were able to abandon ship with 3 crew members walking onto the quay. The other 2 crew members had to jump into the sea and swim ashore.  No reports of injuries.

Torvang
Photo: tk.no

Authorities were alerted of the incident with the local fire brigade aided by the NSSR placed booms around the Torvang to contain any oil pollution released from the vessel. The police and Norwegian Maritime Authority have launched an investigation into the incident. No details from the initial investigation has been released, but there is some assumptions the imbalanced was caused by the cargo shifting after loading was completed. Reports state a sludge suction has been requested to help dewater the vessel. After dewatering, the assumption the Torvang will right itself.

 

Stuck at Rumst

Stuck at Rumst

Nautica
Photo: hln.be

On May 22, the 67 meter long self-propelled barge Swette (MMSI: 244740259) and the 48 meter long self-propelled barge Nautica (MMSI: 205500090) ran aground at the confluence of the Nete and Rupel Rivers in Rumst, Belgium. The two vessels had become stuck due to low water levels. One vessel was firmly stuck on a bank while the other was stuck by the stern. The water police was alerted to the situation.

Swette
Photo: hln.be

Reports state the local authority was aware of the sandbank and had asked for a buoy to mark it’s location. They also stated that vessels have run aground regularly in the area. There were no reports of injuries or pollution released.