On the morning of March 14, the 32 meter long, 347 gt tugboat Westport (IMO: 7810026) collided with the 182 meter long, 23623 dwt container ship A. Idefix (IMO: 9354662) in Bahía del Callao off Callao, Peru. The Westport struck the A. Idefix resulting in the tug’s starboard hull being holed. The crew was unable to control the water ingress and the Westport eventually sank by the stern. No reports of injuries or damage on the A. Idefix.
Reports state that 6 crew from the Westport were injured during the incident. The crew would be taken to hospital for treatment. Peruvian authorities placed booms over the site to contain oil pollution released. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
On the early morning hours of March 17, the 30 meter long, 503 dwt tug Provincia del Azuay (IMO: 9654933) sank in the Gulf of Mexico at its berth in Veracruz, Mexico. The tug suffered uncontrolled water ingress during the night. The two crew onboard were unaware until an audible alarm was sounded which left the crew just minutes to evacuate the vessel. The Provincia del Azuay continued to sink until only part of the wheelhouse and mast was still above water.
Authorities, port employees and local fire fighters arrived on scene and began measures to contain any pollution that might be released. Booms and absorbent pads were placed around the wreck to contain any oil pollution. Reports state the tug had only a small amount of reserve fuel in its tanks at the time of the incident. Authorities have stated there will be an investigation into the incident. Cranes will be brought in to lift and refloat the Provincia del Azuay. No reports of injuries.
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.
