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.

 

MSC Cape Town III

MSC Cape Town III

MSC Cape Town III
Photo: SLPA

On August 11, the 222 meter long, 39228 dwt container ship MSC Cape Town III caught fire and exploded while berthed at the JCT 4 jetty at Colombo, Sri Lanka. The boxship was unloading containers when there was an explosion and fire below decks. The local fire brigade responded quickly to the scene while all crew and operational staff evacuated to safety.   Reports stated the temperature below deck had reached over 100 degrees in the hold after the explosion. Fire fighters used carbon dioxide along with water from fire tugs to cool and help control the blaze before the fire was later extinguished several hours later. No reports of injuries. Initial reports state a large number of containers were burnt, but the total number of containers damaged or destroyed has not been released.

Reports state some 950 containers had been unloaded including one container listed carrying hazardous cargo. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident including if any containers had undeclared dangerous materials. Most of the containers were intended to be transferred from the MSC Cape Town III to other vessels bound for Tanzania and other African countries.

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.