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Tag: Bulk carrier

Collision off Singapore

Collision off Singapore

Marine Dynamo

On the morning of September 1, the 103 meter long, 8270 dwt bunker tanker Marine Dynamo (IMO: 9956719) collided with the 190 meter long, 56526 dwt bulk carrier Flag Gangos (IMO: 9643908) in the Singapore Strait some 8 kilometers south of Tanah Merah, Singapore. Both ships were stable after the collision.  One crew member on the Marine Dynamo suffered minor injuries and was being treated onboard the tanker.  There were no reports of injuries or pollution released on the Flag Gangos.

Singapore authorities reported there was a light sheen of oil that could be seen around the Marine Dynamo. The master of the tanker reported that a fuel tank above the waterline holding marine gas oil had been damaged by the collision and was the source of the pollution.  Authorities deployed a response team with multiple vessels to aid in the disperse of the oil sheens while drones were used to monitor the situation.  The incident is under investigation by authorities.

 

Thanh Thanh Dat 99

Thanh Thanh Dat 99

Thanh Thanh Dat 99
Photo: giaoducthoidai.vn

On the early morning of August 26, the 151 meter long, 22332 dwt bulk carrier Thanh Thanh Dat 99 (IMO: 9223655) ran aground in Tien Trang Sea off Binh village, Tien Trang, Vietnam. The Thanh Thanh Dat 99 departed from Nam Dinh bound for Nghi Son.  As it approached the anchorage near Binh village, the bulk carrier dropped its anchor, but it dragged due to the strong winds and heavy seas caused by Typhoon Kajiki. The waves pushed the Thanh Thanh Dat 99 ashore until it was resting just 70 meters off the beach.  

Authorities were able to rescue all 19 crew safely off the vessel.  Reports stated the crew had contacted the Nghi Son for assistance refloating the bulk carrier.  No reports of pollution released.

W Sapphire

W Sapphire

W Sapphire
Photo: facebook

On August 18, the 229 meter long, 81681 dwt bulk carrier W Sapphire (IMO: 9605645) suffered an explosion on the Patapsco River off Baltimore harbor, Maryland. The W Sapphire had completed loading a cargo of coal and had just left the CSX Coal Dock when there was an explosion in the forward cargo hold. After the explosion, there was a large plume of smoke resulting from a fire. The bulk carrier sustained hull damage, but remained afloat.  The Baltimore fire department dispatched firefighters and fireboats to the scene.  Reports state the fire was under control by closing the vessel’s hatches, but the fireboats remained on scene. Tugboats assisted the bulk carrier to a nearby anchorage where the vessel could be inspected.

Reports state all 23 crew on board the W Sapphire were uninjured. The United States Coast Guard has detained the vessel.  The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident. There was some speculation that explosion was caused by coal dust, but there has been no confirmation from authorities.  Some news accounts suggest the explosion was in the vessel’s engine room, but video captured of the incident makes that most unlikely.