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Category: Capsize

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.

 

Pacific Memory II

Pacific Memory II

Cosco Development

On the morning of May 20, the fishing vessel Pacific Memory II collided with the 366 meter long, 140609 dwt containership Cosco Development (IMO: 9472139) in the Singapore Strait some 17 miles from Pedra Branca Island, Singapore. Reports state the Pacific Memory II lost stability after the collision causing the vessel to nearly capsize. There was confusion on the fishing vessel as several crew members were asleep at the time of the collision while others were thrown overboard into the water. A nearby 229 meter long, 82740 dwt bulk carrier Andros Spirit (IMO: 9592537) was able to rescue 30 crew members from the Pacific Memory II.  Indonesian authorities transferred the survivors to an Indonesian rescue vessel.

Andros Spirit

No details reported if the Cosco Development sustained any damage from the incident. The number of crew on board the Pacific Memory II was not disclosed. The incident is under investigation.