Shipwreck Log

On the night of January 11, the 119 meter long drilling rig/oil platform Ocean Valiant (IMO:  8753330) ran aground in the Mediterranean Sea at Dherwa beach 20 kilometers west of Bizerte, Tunisia. The Ocean Valiant was being towed by a offshore supply vessel Maersk Tracer (IMO: 9388613) from Scotland bound for Turkey when rough weather caused the towline to break. Unable to reattach the towline, the Ocean Valiant drifted until it went ashore.

Authorities state the grounding of the oil platform did not cause any damage, pollution or injuries.

Reports state that bad weather has delayed pulling the Ocean Valiant off the beach. Built in 1988, the oil platform is owned by Diamond Offshore and was en route to Turkey to be scrapped.