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Category: Pollution

Update Sounion

Update Sounion

Sounion
Photo: EUNAVFOR ASPIDES

August 21

Confirm reports state the following:

  • 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.

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.

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.

Olga

Olga

Iver Blessing
Photo: premar-atlantique.gouv.fr

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.

Olga
Photo: premar-atlantique.gouv.fr

Both vessels were order to remain at anchorage while authorities conduct an investigation into the incident.

 

Maju 88

Maju 88

Maju 88
Photo: hubla.dephub.go.id

On August 10, the 73 meter long, 2721 dwt cargo vessel Maju 88 (IMO: 8661082) became disabled off Tanjung Indramayu, Indonesia. The Maju 88 was en route from Panjang to Tuban in ballast when it suffered a slight list to starboard. Unable to correct the list, the master of the Maju 88 ordered the vessel to proceed to a nearby anchorage to inspect the hull.  While at anchor, the crew was able to find water ingress in ballast tank one on the starboard bow.

The crew attempted to control the flooding using two pumps, but these pumps were unable to contain the flooding. A few hours later the list had increased to 25 degrees while conditions worsened as strong waves lashed against the vessel. The master of the Maju 88 requested assistance asking to transfer his crew off the vessel. The tugboats PU.1605 and Maide arrived on scene and help evacuate the crew to shore at Balongan. No reports of injuries.

Reports state the Maju 88 list increased to 45 degrees and that some fuel or lubricating oil has been released.  Authorities state they are monitoring the area for further pollution and impact on the environment. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.