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Category: Explosion

Hunts Point

Hunts Point

Hunts Point
Photo: fox5ny.com

On the morning of May 24, the 88 meter long, 5000 dwt waste disposal barge Hunts Point (IMO: 9648049) exploded while berthed on the Hudson River near the North River Wastewater Treatment Plant, New York, New York. Several workers were engaged on the barge when a sparks ignited gas resulting an explosion. One worker was killed from the explosion after being knocked unconscious and thrown into the river.  Two other workers sustained injuries from the blast with one taken to hospital for treatment.

Reports state the vessel was loaded with raw sewage at the time of the incident. After the explosion, the deck of the Hunts Point was covered in sewage. New York Fire fighters along with other first responders had to undergo decontamination from exposure.

The New York Police and Fire Departments have launched an investigation into the incident. No details disclosed on the environmental impact caused by the incident.

 

Ronggolawe 09

Ronggolawe 09

Ronggolawe 09
Photo: depbug.go.id

On the morning of March 13, the 48 meter long tanker Ronggolawe 09 (MMSI: 525501884) caught fire in the Java Sea near Lamongan, Indonesia. The Ronggolawe 09 was headed to Lamongan from Gresik when it attempted to transfer 25 tons of diesel fuel to the tug TB Rosalin 08.  During the transfer, there was an explosion resulting in a fire on the deck of the tanker. All the crew on board the Ronggolawe 09 abandoned ship into the sea.  The fire also engulfed the TB Rosalin 08, but the fire on the tug would later be extinguished by authorities.  Fire fighters arrived on scene several hours later and were later able to extinguish the blaze on the Ronggolawe 09.

Reports state that 4 crew of the 11 of the Ronggolawe 09 were still missing. Authorities have not stated the number of crew who were injured from both vessels.  The Ronggolawe 09  sustained significant damage, but was reported to be still afloat.

 

North Sea Allision

North Sea Allision

Stena Immaculate
Photo: dailyrecord.co.uk

On the morning of March 10, the 140 meter long, 9322 dwt container ship Solong (IMO: 9322554) allided with the 183 meter long, 49729 dwt tanker Stena Immaculate (IMO: 9693018) in the North Sea some 10 nautical miles off the Humber estuary near Hull, Lincolnshire, England. The Solong was en route to Rotterdam from Grangemouth, Scotland when it struck the port hull amidships of the Stena Immaculate which was at anchor.  Both vessels sustained major damage with the tanker having its tanks ruptured  and releasing jet fuel into the sea. After the allision, reports state there were several explosions and fire engulfed the tanker. Observers stated that fuel spilt into the sea has caught fire as well. The crews from both vessels have evacuated and there were conflicting reports of casualties and crew men injured. Latest report states all crew were rescued from both vessels with one crew member injured (subject to be updated later).

UK Authorities dispatched multiple fire fighting vessels aided by the RNLI who launched four lifeboats to the scene. The HM Coastguard

The Stena Immaculate was loaded with jet fuel bound for one of the United States Army military bases located in the United Kingdom. UK Authorities have not released the cause of the allision at this time. Some news accounts suggest the Solong was on autopilot at the time and the vessel never changed course before it struck the tanker.  There is speculation that the container ship failed to maintain a proper watch as weather was not a factor in the allision.  UK authorities continue to investigate as the situation is ongoing.