Browsed by
Author: Paul Hancock

Fener

Fener

 

Fener
Photo: nabd.com

On January 13, the 138 meter long, 4515 dwt cargo vessel Fener (IMO: 8888862) ran aground in the Mediterranean Sea approximately 5 miles west of the northern entrance to the Suez Canal. The Fener departed from Turkey bound for East Port Said to load a cargo of salt. When the vessel approached Port Said weather conditions were poor so the Fener requested to wait in the anchorage area until weather improves.

Fener
Photo: haberdenizde.com

Authorities would later receive an alert from the Fener that the vessel had suffered a breach in a hold with water ingress. Fearing the vessel would sink, the Fener headed to the shallows where it was intentionally grounded.

Fener
Photo: soulta4.net

Canal authorities state the Fener grounding has no impact to traffic on the Suez Canal. The situation is being monitored. No further details reported.

Inceptum

Inceptum

Inceptum
Photo: radiosaw.de

On the evening of January 12, the 80 meter long self-propelled barge Inceptum (MMSI: 244129543)  sprung a leak on the Mittelland Canal near Bülstringen, Germany. The Inceptum was maneuver to a berth when an alarm sounded from the engine room. The barge had suffered water ingress and the vessel’s pumps engaged to control the flooding. The crew alerted the local authorities who dispatched firefighters from Bülstringen and Haldensleben to assist. Firefighters found the Inceptum had a leak below the waterline and were able to make temporary repairs.

The water police along with other authorities have launched an investigation. Authorities stated that fuel and other pollutions were released into the canal. Reports state that ice may have caused the hull damage allowing for the water ingress. No reports of injuries.

Cheng Xian Feng 168
Cheng Xian Feng 168

Cheng Xian Feng 168

On the early morning of January 11, the 712 gt tanker Cheng Xian Feng 168 ran aground in the Philippine Sea off Burgos town, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte. Philippines.  The Cheng Xian Feng 168 departed from Cagayan de Oro City bound for Homonhon, Leyte with 3,500 litres of diesel fuel.  On the afternoon of  January 10, the tanker  developed engine problems. Unable to fix the problems, the vessel would eventually suffer total engine failure forcing the crew to drop anchor.

Strong currents and heavy waves would cause the anchor to drag. The Cheng Xian Feng 168 would continue to drift towards the shore until it grounded just off shoreline. The Philippine Coast Guard was alerted and were able to rescue all 9 crew members off the tanker. No reports of injuries.

The Philippine Coast Guard reported there was no signs of oil pollution released around the tanker, but there was a strong gas odor detected. Due to the vessel grounded on a coral reef, the Coast Guard deployed oil containment booms as a precaution before attempts to refloat the tanker. An underwater assessment will be made to the extent of environmental damage.