On July 9, the 190 meter long bulk carrier Tian Sheng 18 allided with the 90 meter long, 4172 dwt tanker Shuang Long Hai on the Yangtze River at Changzhou, China. The Shuang Long Hai suffered a hull breach and broken cargo pipe resulting in a fire on board the tanker. All 15 crew on board the tanker were able to escape. Fire fighters were able to extinguish the blaze by the following day.
Authorities placed booms around the tanker to contain any pollution released.
On July 2, the fishing vessel Deceptive C ran aground in the Stikine Strait near Wrangell, Alaska. The vessel had run hard aground and released some pollution. The Coast Guard diverted the Cutter Bailey Barco to the scene to monitor the situation. Authorities stated that pollution was minimal with only three gallons of oily bilge water had been released. No reports of injuries.
After a few days, authorities reported they were able to mitigate any further pollution. Using the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund, a firm was contracted to remove all the diesel fuel on board along with any hazardous materials. Reports state over 3,000 pounds of oil waste and debris was removed from the Deceptive C.
No reports if the fishing vessel will be salvaged.
On June 26, the 99 meter long, 6764 dwt tanker Rama 2 sank in bad weather in the Gulf of Aden near Socotra Island, Yemen. The Rama 2 was en route to Al Hamriya, UAE with 5500 tons of gasoline. While off Oman, weather conditions worsen with waves reaching 5 meters. The tanker had suffered some structural failure and developed a heavy list to starboard. The crew sent out a distress call stating the Rama 2 was sinking and needed assistance. As the list increased, the crew attempted to abandon ship. However, the vessel’s lifeboat was unable to launch leaving the 14 crew to use the vessel’s life rafts.
The distress call was relayed to the Combined Maritime Force which launched a search and rescue plan. Multiple UK Naval ships and aircraft along with three commercial vessels tanker MTM Tortola, LNG tanker Soyo and tanker Sea Power assisted in the operation. The MTM Tortola arrived on scene and was able to rescue 10 crew from the water. Two more crew were rescued by the Sea Power. The remaining two crew were still missing. One was spotted by aircraft and later hoisted to safety by a UK helicopter. The remaining crewman could not be recovered and was reported to be deceased.
Reports state there was a large oil slick where the Rama 2 had sunk, but the heavy seas was dispersing the pollution.