Shayesth

Shayesth

Shayesth
Photo: USGS

On February 18, the 50 meter long, 450 dwt cargo vessel Shayesth (IMO: 9033036) was reported to sink in the Persian Gulf off the coast of Bahrain. The Shayesth had departed from Bushehr, Iran when it developed a strong list to starboard.  Unable to correct the list, the crew sent out a distress call and requested assistance. The United States Navy minesweeper Devastator and the United States Coast Guard cutter Clarence Sutphin Jr. assisted to rescue the 7 crew off the cargo vessel. While there were no reports of injuries, authorities did state the crew did received medical care onboard the Clarence Sutphin Jr. 

Shayesth
Photo: USGS

A short time after the crew were rescued, the Shayesth rolled over and sank. The cause of the list was not disclosed, but some reports assume the vessel suffered a cargo shift or possible suffered water ingress.

Natig Aliyev

Natig Aliyev

On February 21, the 157 meter long, 19800 dwt tanker Natig Aliyev (IMO: 9194000) allided with the anchored 140 meter long, 13596 dwt cargo vessel Begonia S (IMO: 9445540) in the Black Sea in an anchorage near Novorossiysk, Russia. The Natig Aliyev had dropped anchor near Novorossiysk after completing a voyage from Varna. Due to strong winds and heavy seas, the tanker’s anchor began to drag. The Natig Aliyev drifted until it struck the stern of the Begonia S.  Both vessels sustained only minor damage with the bow of the Natig Aliyev and the rudder of the Begonia S. Reports state there were no injuries and no pollution released.

Western Gambler

Western Gambler

Western Gambler
Photo: Canadian Coast Guard

On the early morning of February 19, the 58 foot long fishing vessel Western Gambler ran around in Queen Charlotte Strait some 3 kilometers south of Bella Bella, British Columbia, Canada. The Western Gambler developed a list after the grounding and requested assistance. Canadian Coast Guard dispatched its fast rescue craft from the Bella Bella station which arrived on scene and rescued the 4 crew off the fishing vessel.  No reports of injuries.

Western Gambler
Photo: victorianow.com

The Western Gambler would continue to list and eventually capsized onto its port hull. Authorities spotted debris and a light sheen on the water. A response team was deployed which placed containment booms along with absorbents around the fishing vessel. Booms were also deployed to protect a nearby hatchery.  Reports state the Western Gambler had some 7500 litres of diesel fuel and 1100 litres of hydraulic oil. Reports state the vessel will be salvaged and removed within the week. The cause of the grounding was not disclosed. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

View the incident report here.