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Author: Paul Hancock

Istanbul Collision

Istanbul Collision

Marla Orca
Photo: gazetebirlik.com

On November 21, the 100 meter long, 7748 dwt cargo vessel Marla Orca (IMO: 9217802) collided with the 116 meter long, 3329 dwt cargo vessel DSK1 (IMO: 8721442) in the Sea of Marmara off Kartal, Istanbul, Turkey. The Marla Orca was anchored off Kartal when strong winds caused its anchor to drag causing it to strike the nearby anchored DSK1.

The collision resulted in visible damage to both cargo vessels.  The vessels will be further inspected to ensure seaworthiness. However, there were no reports of injuries or pollution released. Both vessels were able to maneuver to more secure anchorage. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

Brave Tern

Brave Tern

Brave Tern

On the morning of November 23, the 131 meter long, 9033 dwt jackup vessel Brave Tern (IMO: 9583782) allided with the quay at Navantia Ferrol, Spain. The vessel was departing from the quay when its boom got  hung up on one of the 25-tonne cranes on the quay. The boom tipped the crane off the quay onto a barge.  Part of the crane fell into the sea, but the crane cab and base remained on the barge.  No reports of injuries or pollution released.

The Brave Tern remained at Navantia Ferrol while there was an investigation into the incident. Reports state the cause of the incident was due to human error while maneuvering away from the quay.  Salvage plans for the toppled crane were not reported.

VSG Glory

VSG Glory

VSG Glory
Photo: x.com

On the morning of November 23, the 100 meter long, 8191 dwt cargo vessel VSG Glory (IMO: 9103025) ran aground in the Red Sea off El Quseir, Egypt. The VSG Glory was en route to Port Tawfiq in Suez from Yemen with 4,000 tons of cargo. Proceeding in heavy seas and strong winds, the cargo vessel suffered a technical malfunction off El Quseir. The VGS Glory drifted until it was nearly ashore when it pilled up on a coral reef.  No reports of injuries.

The vessel sustained substantial damage with a fracture in the hull and water ingress causing the VSG Glory to sink by the stern. The engine room was reported as flooded releasing pollution in the area.  Authorities dispatched a team to the scene and placed booms and absorbent pads to contain the pollution. These booms would later separate allowing the pollution to contaminate the reef and nearby shoreline.   Reports state the coral reef had extensive damage caused by the grounding and pollution released.