Sank - Shipwreck Log

Kuala Mas

December 25, 2024 Paul Hancock

On the afternoon hours of December 21, the 128 meter long, 8753 dwt container ship Kuala Mas (IMO:9555632) sank in Kupang Bay off Bolok Village, West Kupang District, Indonesia. The Kuala Mas was proceeding from Makassar to Kupang with cargo of containers loaded with rice and cement. Reports state the Kuala Mas had suffered a breakdown and went adrift before it allided with the anchored 127 meter long, 12959 dwt tanker Maritim Khatulistiwa (IMO: 9300776). The allision resulted in a hole in the hull below the waterline on the Kuala Mas. The vessel suffered water ingress and developed a 10 degree list to starboard.

After several hours of attempting to control the flooding, the crew determined the water ingress could not be abated. The master of the Kuala Mas decided the only action left was to head for shallow water to prevent the vessel from sinking in deeper waters. The vessel headed towards the Bolok Kupang pier, but the Kuala Mas was in danger of sinking before reaching the dock. Authorities received a request for evacuation with the NTT Police responding. Three rescue boats arrived and transported all 20 crew safely to shore. No reports of injuries.

The Kuala Mas would later capsize and sink a short time later. Many of the cargo containers broke free from the sinking ship with some floating away while others sinking to the seabed. Authorities plan to collect the floating containers. A boom was placed around the wreckage to contain any oil pollution. The incident is under investigation. The Kuala Mas had previously caught fire back in 2018 off Nirwana Island.

Ursa Major

December 24, 2024 Paul Hancock

On December 23, the 142 meter long, 9400 dwt cargo vessel Ursa Major (IMO: 9538892) sank in the Mediterranean Sea some 58 miles off the coast of Almeira, Spain. The Ursa Major had departed from St. Petersburg, Russia on December 11 and reported to be bound for Vladivostok with empty containers in the hold, cargo hatches for icebreakers and two cranes on deck. While sailing between Spain and Algeria, the vessel suffered an explosion in the engine room. The crew had been trying to fix the fuel line to the main engine when vapors ignited. The explosion damaged the main engine resulting in a power blackout and hull damage. The vessel’s hull had partially blown out resulting in uncontrolled water ingress. Unable to contain the flooding, the vessel developed a starboard list.

Fourteen of the 16 crew on board abandoned the Ursa Major in the vessel’s lifeboat. Spanish authorities were alerted and the Salvamento Maritimó sent out two vessels and a helicopter to assist. All 14 crew would be rescued and safely transported to the port of Cartagena, Spain. A Russian warship arrived on scene a short time later and took charge of search and rescue operations. No further details on the 2 missing crew.

The Ursa Major would later sink the following morning on December 24. Authorities have alerted of the possible damage from drifting wreckage around where the vessel sank. News reports outside of Russia state the Ursa Major was most likely headed for Syria or Libya and not Vladivostok.

Amnah

December 23, 2024 Paul Hancock

On the early morning hours of December 23, the 101 meter long, 5,215 dwt container ship Amnah (IMO: 9126259) capsized and sunk in the Sea of Marmara while berthed at the port of Ambarli in Istanbul, Turkey. The Amnah had ben loading containers when it lost stability and developed a heavy port list. As the cargo shifted, the vessel struck the dock and rolled over. Five of the 15 crew on board the container ship had to jump into the sea as the vessel rolled. Reports state the other 10 crew and dock workers were able to abandon the vessel. One crew member sustained minor injuries and taken to hospital for treatment.

The Amnah has sustained damage, but the full extent will not be known until the container ship can be refloated. Authorities have placed booms around the Amnah to contain any pollution released. Reports state several containers have broken free and many have filled with water and sank.

Officials have launched an investigation into the incident. They believe the vessel was improperly loaded and did not maintain proper ballasting which resulted in the lost of stability.