The 143 meter long, 10300 dwt cargo vessel Thorco Celebration caught fire while moored at São Sebastião, Brazil. The fire started in one of the cargo holds while repairs were being done from a welder. Sparks from the welder caught wooden packages ablaze and quickly got out of control. The crew requested local firefighters who arrived along with a fire tug. The firefighters were able to extinguish the fire a short time later. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
Photos by atribuna.com.br
The 225 meter long, 75205 dwt bulk freighter Milagro allided with a grain loader at Guaruja Grain Terminals in Santos, Brazil. The Milagro was attempting to maneuver to the terminal with the aid of two tugs when the wing of the Milagro’s bridge struck the grain loader. The freighter suffered damage to its bridge and lower deck . The grain loader was totally destroyed and toppling it into the water. Another loader was also slightly damaged. No reports of injuries. The grain terminal had to shut down all opperations and has not stated when it would be up and running again. The terminal has the capacity to load 1,500 tons of corn or soybeans into the holds of ships. The Milagro remains anchored off the port. Port authorities are conducting an investigation into the incident.
The massive ore-carrier Vale Beijing was reported to be towed to Fortaleza, Brazil for repairs. The vessel is to be anchored in water clearer to allow divers to make repairs to the hull. The latest report states the hull has suffered multiple large cracks in the outer hull which allowed water ingress into the cargo hold. Brazilian authorities have requested the owners to have the fuel removed from the vessel to prevent any oil pollution being released. No details have been released to the cause of the cracks in the ballast tanks at this time. A recent report states the design of the Vale Beijing was altered from the other massive Valemax ore carriers constructed at other shipyards. The report did not state if this change may have weaken the vessel’s structural integrity, but it may be a factor. The owners of the Vale Beijing, STX Pan Ocean Co. stated the vessel would be repaired and be placed back into service.
