On September 4, the 116 meter long, 8081 dwt cargo vessel Akhisar released pollution while berthed at Las Palmas, Gran Canaria. The Akhisar was being refueled with bunker oil when there was a leak releasing some 3 tons of low sulfur oil into the water. Authorities report an oil sheen covering some 2.5 kilometers long and over 400 meter wide. Authorities closed several beaches due to the pollution. A response team was dispatched to contain the oil and begin cleaning operations. No reports of injuries.
Photo: salvamentomaritimo.es
Photo: salvamentomaritimo.es
Photo: salvamentomaritimo.es
The Akhisar was allowed to leave port on September 7 on its voyage to Praia, Cape Verde.
The Sounion was impacted by three projectiles on the starboard quarter damaging the engine room
A fire in the engine room had been contained, but the fire and explosion had caused a power blackout on the tanker
The crew was able to abandon ship with one crew member sustaining a minor injury
The Sounion was able to drop anchor
August 23
A second attack was executed on the abandoned 274 meter long, 163,759 dwt oil tanker Sounion (IMO: 9312145). Explosive charges were placed on the deck and detonated resulting in further explosions and fires on at least five sections on the main deck. The Sounion appears to still be afloat, but reports state the vessel’s structural integrity is at high risk.
Photo: EUNAVFOR ASPIDES
Photo: EUNAVFOR ASPIDES
Photo: EUNAVFOR ASPIDES
Photo: EUNAVFOR ASPIDES
August 28
An attempt to salvage the Sounion ended in failure. Two tugs were dispatched with plans to bring the tanker under tow to a safety, but these tugs were threatened with being attacked and the salvage attempted was called off. United States military reports that the Sounion has begun leaking crude oil, but no oil sheen is visible around the tanker. With over one million barrels of crude oil onboard, the Sounion has a potential of leaking nearly 4 times as much oil as released by the Exxon Valdez (257,000 barrels released in 1989). Reports state the Sounion could easily break apart as the tanker’s integrity continues to fail caused by the damage and fires.
Photo: EUNAVFOR ASPIDES
Photo: EUNAVFOR ASPIDES
Photo: EUNAVFOR ASPIDES
Photo: EUNAVFOR ASPIDES
August 29
Reports state salvage vessels and tugboat will be allowed to proceed to the Sounion. Multiple countries had made a plea to allow salvage in order to avoid environmental disaster which prompted the policy change. No details on how quickly the salvage team can reach the tanker and if the structural integrity will allow it to be towed to a secure location. It is assumed the priority is to extinguish the fires and cool down the hull before any lightering or taking the vessel under tow.
On August 9, the 148 meter long, 18319 dwt bulk carrier Olga (IMO: 9109548) struck the 109 meter long, 6189 dwt tanker Iver Blessing (IMO: 9588287) in the Bay of Biscay off Saint-Nazaire, France. The Olga was proceeding from an anchorage off Saint-Nazaire when it allided with the stern of the anchored Iver Blessing. The Iver Blessing sustained hull damage with a small hole above the waterline. The Olga also sustained a large gash in its hull above the waterline. Five crewmen on the Iver Blessing suffered slight injuries that did not require medical assistance. No reports of product being released from the Iver Blessing, but some pollution was reported. An oil drum had fallen overboard.
Photo: premar-atlantique.gouv.fr
Both vessels were order to remain at anchorage while authorities conduct an investigation into the incident.
