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Author: Paul Hancock

Isla De Bioko

Isla De Bioko

Isla De Bioko

On the night of April 27, the 186 meter long, 51609 dwt tanker Isla De Bioko (IMO: 9767235) collided barges being pushed by the towboat Ginny Rose on the Mississippi River near New Orleans, Louisiana.  The upbound Isla De Bioko collided with the barges as the Ginny Rose was maneuvering into the middle of the navigation channel.  There were no injuries on either vessel, but one of the barges sank with its cargo of fertilizer (urea).  Six other barges in the tow broke free and drifted downstream.  Four barges would be later recovered and two barges became entangled in the anchor chains of the vessel Red Fin and Bulker Bee 30.

The Coast Guard temporarily closed traffic in the area until the sunken barge could be located.  The barge would be found in 75 feet of water which was deemed safe to allow traffic to resumed. The Coast Guard also was able to recover the last 2 barges. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. Reports state there were plan to salvage the sunken barge.

 

Nhô Padre Benjamim

Nhô Padre Benjamim

Nhô Padre Benjamim
Photo: brava.news

On the afternoon of April 14, the 91 meter long, 2560 dwt ro-ro cargo vessel Nhô Padre Benjamim (IMO: 7812919) sank in Preguiça Bay off the coast of São Nicolau, Cape Verde. The Nhô Padre Benjamim was en route from Palmeira to São Nicolau loaded with construction supplies and trucks bound for roadwork and construction at the Preguiça airport. As the vessel approached the São Nicolau, the vessel suffered uncontrolled water ingress on the vehicle deck. Reports state the crew tried to bring the flooding under control with pumps, but their efforts were unsuccessful. The Nhô Padre Benjamim would eventually sink by the stern.

The crew of 19 and the 1 passenger on board were able to safely abandon ship and were later rescued by local fishermen. No reports of injuries.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. Initial reports has place much focus on environmental concerns. There is a high risk that fuel and other oil pollution will seep out from the wreck. Due to the depth of the location of the wreck, it may be difficult to pump out the fuel and oil from the vessel.

News reports state the vessel owner claims the Nhô Padre Benjamim was well maintained and was in proper working condition prior to the incident. The vessel was not overloaded, but witnesses state the vessel departed with the stern lower in the water than usual. It is possible the investigation may reveal improper cargo stowage could have been a factor.

MSC Prosperity II

MSC Prosperity II

On April 26, the 172 meter long, 20168 dwt container ship MSC Prosperity II (IMO: 9256418) became disabled in the Çanakkale Strait south of Kepez, Turkey. The MSC Prosperity II departed  from Egypt bound for Tuzla when it suffered mechanical failure. Authorities dispatched a tug which took the containership under tow to a secure location. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.