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Category: Collision

Collision off Gibraltar

Collision off Gibraltar

Southern Puma
Photo: puentedemando.com

On the early morning hours of November 1, the 179 meter long, 30,765 dwt bulk carrier Louisa Bolten (IMO: 9407049) collided with the 156.5 meter long, 26,071 dwt tanker Southern Puma (IMO: 9792008) in the Strait of Gibraltar off Algeciras, Spain. The Southern Puma was headed for Bilbao from Antwerp with a cargo of paraffin when the Louisa Bolten, en route from Avonmouth to Aliaga, struck the forward starboard section of the Southern Puma. While the bulk carrier sustained bow damage, the tanker suffered more damage on its starboard hull with at least one of the tanker’s hold breached. After the collision, authorities dispatched multiple vessels along with aircraft to the scene. Authorities found the Southern Puma had released pollution into the sea. An investigation found that 600 tons of liquid paraffin had been spilled.

The Southern Puma was escorted by four tugs to the port of Algeciras where it will transfer the cargo to another vessel before it can go into drydock. A boom was placed around the vessel to contain any further pollution released. Reports state some of the liquid paraffin released has solidified and washed ashore.

Initial reports state the Southern Puma had disabled its AIS prior to the collision. The Louisa Bolten was inspected and allowed to proceed on its voyage for Aliaga, Turkey. The incident remains under investigation.

Pashur Channel Collision

Pashur Channel Collision

Bangladesh Coast Guard
Photo: Bangladesh Coast Guard

Around midnight of November 1, the 100 meter long, 5187 dwt LPG tanker Era Star (IMO: 9988061) collided with the cargo vessel Mizan in the Pashur Channel near Bagerhat, Bangladesh. The Era Star loaded with LPG struck head-on with the Mizan loaded with 500 tons of coal. While no major damage was reported on the Era Star, the Mizan sustained significant hull damage to its bow resulting in water ingress. The eight crew of the Mizan feared the vessel was going to sink and abandoned ship into the water. Reports state all eight were able to make it ashore. No reports of injuries on the Era Star.

Authorities report a nearby fishing vessel had been caught up in the collision and sank. The sole person on board the vessel was reported missing.  The Bangladesh Coast Guard conducted a search and rescue operation for the missing person.  A diving team has also done searches in the area.

Reports state the owner of the Mizan has started lightering the coal onto another vessel. No further details reported.

Multiple Collisions on the Bosphorus

Multiple Collisions on the Bosphorus

Ayed 1
Photo: KEGM

On October 3, the 80 meter long, 2865 dwt bulk carrier Ayed 1 (IMO: 9281138) collided with the 180 meter long, 37,744 dwt bulk carrier Bunun Ace (IMO: 9628570) in the Bosphorus near Pasalimani, Turkey. The two vessels attempted to avoid collision but collided at the stern on both vessels. The Ayed 1 sustained significant hull damage above the waterline on its starboard stern while the Bunun Ace sustained a 2 to 3 meter scrape along it’s port side hull.

During the incident the pilot on the Bunun Ace veered the bulk carrier towards the Üsküdar shoreline.  The Bunun Ace, aided by the tug Kurtarma 5, was able to change course just a few meters before running ashore.  This maneuver also caused the Bunun Ace to allide with the berthed 24 meter long ferry Ferci Saadet (MMSI: 271010517).  There was no damage to the ferry.

Both the Ayed 1 and Bunun Ace were escorted safely to a nearby anchorage area for inspection. There are no reports of injuries or any pollution released. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.