Browsed by
Author: Paul Hancock

Bram Force

Bram Force

Bram Force
Photo: radioaurora.com.br

On the evening of January 8, the 93 meter long, 4864 dwt service vessel Bram Force (IMO: 9788409) caught fire in the South Atlantic offshore near Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Bram Force was operating in the Campos Basin near the P-37 platform when a fire broke out in the engine room. Unable to extinguish the blaze, the crew of the Bram Force were safely evacuated by a nearby Maersk vessel. Authorities dispatched multiple tugs to No reports of injuries.

Brazilian authorities stated that it took nearly 12 hours for the fire to be extinguished. The Bram Force was taken under tow and proceeded to Port of Açu where it will be inspected and repaired. Authorities have stated they launched an investigation into the incident.

Dolphin 18

Dolphin 18

Dolphin 18
Photo: dantri.com.vn

On the morning of December 11, the 93 meter long, 7950 dwt cargo vessel Dolphin 18 (IMO: 9216341) sank in the South China Sea some 146 nautical miles north of Riau Islands, Indonesia. The Dolphin 18 was headed to An Giang from Papua New Guinea with 5,300 cubic meters of wood when it suffered undisclosed accident and sent out a distress call. The 18 crew on board were able to abandon ship into 2 life rafts before the Dolphin 18 sank.

Authorities in Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam issued out a maritime notice for nearby vessels to look for the life rafts. Fortunately, the 199 meter long container ship Nicolai Maersk (IMO: 9192454) was close by and safely rescued the 18 crew. Reports state all crew members are in good condition and no reports of injuries. The Nicolai Maersk will transport the crew to Tanjung Pelepas, Malaysia.

Nicolai Maersk

The details as to why the cargo vessel sank have not be disclosed. Reports due state that weather was rough with strong winds reaching near gale force (28 knots) and waves reaching 5 meters high.  No government authority has announced any investigation into the incident. The Dolphin 18 is operated by Hai Phuong Shipping Company Limited based in Vietnam.

 

Eventin

Eventin

Eventin
Photo: havariekommando.de

On the afternoon of January 10, the 274 meter long, 46578 dwt tanker Eventin (IMO: 9308065) became disabled on the Baltic Sea some 14 miles north of Rügen Island, Germany. The tanker had departed from Ust-Luga bound for Port Said with 99,000 tons of crude oil when it suffered main engine failure and power blackout. Unable to restart the engine, the Eventin went adrift. German authorities deployed the support vessel Arkona (IMO: 9285811) and the tug Bremen Fighter (IMO: 9321287) to take the tanker under tow.

By the evening of January 10, the tug Bremen Fighter had taken the Eventin under tow.  Reports state that two additional tugs were en route to assist with towing operations. Reports state there was rough conditions in the area with waves reaching 3 meters. Authorities have not released where the tanker will be towed. The tanker could towed either to Rostock, Swinemünde or another nearby port. No injuries to the 24 crew on board or1 pollution released.

Reports state the Eventin is part of the Russian shadow fleet which operate with their AIS off and known to be in unseaworthy condition. German authorities state they have concern these vessel pose a threat to critical infrastructure and the environment.