On October 21, the 141 meter long cargo vessel ESL Africa ran aground off Oxelösund, Sweden. The ESL Africa had departed from Norkköping bound for Dakar, Senegal with ammonium nitrate when it suffered engine problems off Hummelvik. The vessel had suffered a mechanical fault causing the ESL Africa to run aground. Authorities were alerted and dispatched divers to the scene. Divers inspected the hull and found no damage. A few hours later the ESL Africa was refloated and proceeded under its own power back to Oxelösund. No reports of injuries and no pollution was released.
On October 18, the 69.5 meter long, 2494 dwt fish carrier Seikongen capsized and sank near Puerto Montt, Chile. The Seikongen loaded with 200 kilos of salmon bound for Chonchi when it suffered water ingress in the bow. Even though the Seikongen was nearly brand new, the fish carrier’s pumps were unable to control the flooding. To avoid sinking, the master of the Seikongen changed course for the closest shallow water. The Seikongen was able to run aground and it looked if the vessel would avoid sinking. However, the flooding continued causing the vessel to lose stability and develop a list to starboard. A short time later the vessel rolled over onto its side and sank just below the surface.
Photo: portalportuario.cl
Photo: aqua.cl
Photo: aqua.cl
Photo: aqua.cl
Photo: aqua.cl
Photo: aqua.cl
Photo: Chile Navy
Photo: Chilean Navy
Reports state the 11 crew on board the Seikongen were safely evacuated before the vessel sank. Authorities deployed booms around the wreck in hopes to contain any pollution released. The Seikongen had some 67,000 litres of fuel on board at the time. Chilean Navy divers have inspected the hull and report no fuel leaks. Authorities have also stated the cargo of 37,000 salmon have most likely perished in the holds and would be left in the sealed holds to avoid damaging the environment.
The owners of the Seikongen are coordinating salvage efforts with Chilean authorities. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
The 124 meter long cargo vessel Quan Hai 88 ran aground in the Taiwan Strait off Quanzhou, China. The Quan Hai 88 was heading to Jiaxing from Dongguan with a cargo of gravel when it ran aground on the rocks. The vessel suffered hull damage and uncontrolled water ingress along its portside resulting in a slight list.
Authorities were alerted and dispatched rescue boats to the scene. All 16 crew of the Quan Hai 88 abandoned ship and were later rescued. No reports of injuries.
The current status of the Quan Hai 88 has not been reported. Authorities state there was no oil pollution released around the vessel.
