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Banglar Jyoti

Banglar Jyoti

Banglar Jyoti
Photo: bdnews24.com

On the morning of September 30, the 138 meter long, 14,541 dwt tanker Banglar Jyoti (IMO: 8508943) exploded while unloading crude oil in Chittagong, Bangladesh. The Banglar Jyoti was under going routine maintenance/repair work on the forecastle when oil vapors ignited. The resulting explosion ripped open the deck at the forepeak and setting the vessel on fire. Local authorities aided by the Coast Guard, Bangladesh Navy and fire fighters were able to bring the fire under control a few hours later. Three crew were killed by the blast. No further details reported if any other people were injured.

Reports stated that only 800 tons of crude oil had been discharged at the time of the explosion with some 10,900 tons still on board the tanker. All crude oil will be unloaded if the vessel is found safe and machinery is still operational.  Reports state the Banglar Jyoti will be taken to a shipyard for inspection and possibly be salvaged and put back into service. However, the Banglar Jyoti was built in 1987 and past its operational lifespan.

Local authorities nor ship owners have disclosed if the tanker had followed inerting procedures or if the vents were open at the time of the explosion. Inerting has been adopted widely after the SS Sansinena exploded in Los Angeles harbor in 1976.  Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

Collision off Chittagong

Collision off Chittagong

Navios Celestial

On September 7, the 190 meter long, 58,063 dwt bulk carrier Navios Celestial (IMO: 9496226) collided in the Bay of Bengal with the 167 meter long, 28387 dwt bulk carrier Friendly Islands (IMO: 9615042) on the outer anchorage of Chittagong, Bangladesh. The Navios Celestial loaded with 44,000 tons of fertilizer had its anchor drag which allowed the vessel to drift into Friendly Islands which had some 27,000 tons of lentils in its hold.  Both vessels sustained minor damage, but no injuries, water ingress or pollution released.

Both bulk carriers shifted their anchorage position while authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

Friendly Islands

Fazilat

Fazilat

Fazilat
Photo: tbsnews.net

The 426 gt oil tanker Fazilat ran aground on the Karnafuli River at Chattogram, Bangladesh. The Fazilat had dropped anchor on the river earlier due the dense fog which reduced visibility to near zero. The anchor dragged and became stuck on a rock causing the tanker to go aground off a rocky embankment. The tanker remained stuck with the falling tide.  Authorities were alerted and dispatched the tug Kandari 1 to the scene. No reports of injuries or pollution released. Reports state the tanker will be refloated on the rising tide and towed to a safer location.