Iska 1165

Iska 1165

Iska 1165
Photo: kendariinfo.com

On the early morning of June 27, the tugboat Iska 1165 (MMSI: 525021101) ran aground and partially sank in Tanjung Goram some 33 nautical miles from the Wanci Marina Pier in Lantagi, Sulawesi, Indonesia. The tug was hit by high waves during a voyage from Ereke, North Buton to Moramo resulting in the Iska 1165 grounding.  As waves swamped the tugboat, three crew attempted to swim ashore to seek help.  One crew member reached shore while another swam back to the tugboat. The remaining crew member was swept away by the current.

Authorities dispatched rescuers to the scene, but found high waves prevented getting close to the tugboat.  It would be several hours later when weather conditions improved that rescuers reached the Iska 1165.  Authorities found 7 persons alive on the tugboat who were taken ashore and received medical treatment. The body of the crew member who was swept away by the current was recovered.  No further details reported.

Yi Cheng 6

Yi Cheng 6

Yi Cheng 6
Photo: Indian Navy

On June 29, the 90 meter long, 3602 dwt tanker Yi Cheng 6 (IMO: 1067471) caught fire in the Gulf of Oman off India.  The Yi Cheng 6 was headed to Shinas, Oman from Kandla, India when a fire broke out in the vessel’s engine room. The fire quickly grew out of control resulting the main engine being damaged and a power blackout.  Unable to contain the blaze, the tanker sent out a distress call.

The Indian Navy responded with the frigate INS Tabar (MMSI: 419032700) arriving on site. The Navy deployed a response team which safely transferred the 9 crew off the Yi Cheng 6 while a firefighting team. Reports stated 5 crew and 13 navy personnel were able to contain the fire. No reports of injuries and no pollution was released.  No details released if the tanker will require a tow or if the crew will be able to make repairs and restore power.

Vilamoura

Vilamoura

Vilamoura

On June 27, the 274 meter long, 158622 dwt suezmax tanker Vilamoura (IMO: 9529293) suffered an explosion in the Mediterranean Sea some 90 nautical miles off Zueitina, Libya. The Vilamoura departed from Zueitina loaded with 1 million barrels of crude oil bound for Gibraltar when it suffered an engine room explosion. The explosion caused a hull breach resulting in water ingress.  The crew were unable to stop the ingress resulting in the engine room being completely flooded leaving the vessel adrift.  Fortunately, there were no injuries and no pollution released.

Reports states the Vilamoura was to be taken under tow and taken to a shipyard in Greece. The cause of the explosion was not disclosed, but some sources speculated the explosion could have been caused by a mine planted by saboteurs. Several prior vessels that had made voyages to Russia have exploded in the recent past. Some security firms believe it was caused by Ukrainian backed forces.