MSC Kyparissia

MSC Kyparissia

MSC Kyparissia
Photo: facebook

On the afternoon of November 7, the 255 meter long, 68129 dwt container ship MSC Kyparissia (IMO: 9618599) caught fire in the Johor Strait while berth at the Port of Tanjung Pelepas, Malaysia. Reports state the fire started in the under-hatch section of Block 5 while the crew were unloading containers. One crew member was killed and another 3 sustained injuries.  Another 2 dock workers were also killed from the fire. The injured crew were taken to hospital for treatment.

The local fire brigade deployed nine firefighters, one firetruck, a multi-purpose vehicle, and two tugs to combat the blaze.  Reports state the blaze was later brought under control, but fire fighters remain on site in case of reignition. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. The extent of damage to the MSC Kyparissia has not been disclosed.

Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin

Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin

Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin
Photo: facebook

On November 8, the 222 meter long, 31585 dwt self-unloader bulk carrier Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin (IMO: 7324405) ran aground on the Detroit River off Detroit, Michigan. The Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin was headed to Quebec City when it stranded in the river. The cause of the grounding had not been disclosed by authorities. The United States Coast Guard did state there were no injuries and no pollution released.

Multiple tugs were dispatched to free the bulk carrier, but poor visibility delayed refloating efforts until the following morning.

Volharding 17

Volharding 17

Volharding 17
Photo: sikkom.nl

On the morning of November 7, the 86 meter long self-propelled tanker-barge Volharding 17 (MMSI: 244602504) allided on the Van Starkenborgh Canal near Dorkwerd, Netherlands. The Volharding 17  was headed to Waalhaven from Delfzijl when it struck the Drokwerder bridge. Both the bow of the tanker-barge and the bridge span was damaged.  Authorities have closed the bridge to road traffic.  The Volharding 17 was able proceed to a nearby mooring. No reports of injuries or pollution released.

Volharding 17
Photo: rtvnoord.nl

Authorities have stated that weather conditions may have been a factor in the incident.  The area had been enveloped in dense fog prior to the allision. Reports stated the bridge was also only partially open at the time. Local news state that bridge strikes are quite common as there have been 40 strikes over the last 25 years.