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Category: Explosion

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.

 

ASL Bauhinia

ASL Bauhinia

ASL Bauhinia
Photo: x.com

On January 28, the 172 meter long, 24727 dwt container ship ASL Bauhinia (IMO: ) caught fire in the Red Sea some  226 kilometers northwest of Hodeidah, Yemen. Reports state the fire started after an explosion in one of the shipping containers. The crew was unable to contain the blaze and fire continued to spread to others containers. The 22 crew onboard the ASL Bauhinia abandoned ship and were rescued by a passing vessel. There no reports of injuries.

Accounts state the ASL Bauhinia remained adrift on January 29 with the fire and plumes of dense black smoke that could be seen in the distance. One report states an investigation has been launched into the incident, but it did not disclose which governmental agency was involved. There were no reports that the explosion was caused by missiles or drones.

 

Ursa Major

Ursa Major

Ursa Major
Photo: x.com

On December 23, the 142 meter long, 9400 dwt cargo vessel Ursa Major (IMO: 9538892) sank in the Mediterranean Sea some 58 miles off the coast of Almeira, Spain. The Ursa Major had departed from St. Petersburg, Russia on December 11 and reported to be bound for Vladivostok with empty containers in the hold, cargo hatches for icebreakers and two cranes on deck.  While sailing between Spain and Algeria, the vessel suffered an explosion in the engine room. The crew had been trying to fix the fuel line to the main engine when vapors ignited. The explosion damaged the main engine resulting in a power blackout and hull damage.  The vessel’s hull had partially blown out resulting in uncontrolled water ingress.  Unable to contain the flooding, the vessel developed a starboard list.

Fourteen of the 16 crew on board abandoned the Ursa Major in the vessel’s lifeboat. Spanish authorities were alerted and the Salvamento Maritimó sent out two vessels and a helicopter to assist. All 14 crew would be rescued and safely transported to the port of Cartagena, Spain.  A Russian warship arrived on scene a short time later and took charge of search and rescue operations. No further details on the 2 missing crew.

The Ursa Major would later sink the following morning on December 24.  Authorities have alerted of the possible damage from drifting wreckage around where the vessel sank. News reports outside of Russia state the Ursa Major was most likely headed for Syria or Libya and not Vladivostok.