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Tag: Bulk carrier

Altay

Altay

Altay
Photo: bbc.co.uk

On the morning of June 27, the 120 meter long, 8184 dwt  bulk carrier Altay (IMO: 9349992) caught fire in the North Sea while berthed at Kingston-upon-Hull, England.  The fire started in the cargo hold that was loaded with 3500 tons of scrap metal. Large gray plumes of smoke enveloped the bulk carrier which forced an evacuation of the crew. The local fire brigade was called out with five fire engines involved in extinguishing the blaze. Nearby residents were advised to keep their windows and doors closed as smoke spread through out the city. No reports of injuries.

Fire fighters stated it would take some time to completely extinguish the blaze.  Witnesses reported there were still thick smoke with a smell of burning rubber in the area 5 hours after the blaze had started. Authorities have stated getting access to the area in the hold where the fire was not feasible. Thus, the fire brigade is unloading the burning scrap onto the quay where it would be extinguished. This operation went all day into early the next morning until the fire was finally extinguished.  Crews remain on site just in case the fire would reignite again.

There has been no reports of the extent of damage to the Altay or to the cargo of scrap. UK authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

Chang Min

Chang Min

Chang Min
Photo: nigeriaworld.com

On the evening of June 20, the 190 meter long, 56097 dwt bulk carrier Chang Min (IMO: 9622801) caught fire while berthed in Apapa Port, Lagos, Nigeria. The Chang Min was unloading a variety of cargo from its cargo hold #2 when a fire broke out.

Multiple fire and emergency responders arrived on scene and found flames coming out of the cargo hold. While the fire brigades fought the blaze from the shore, several fire tugboats assisted in containing the fire. Fire fighters were able to seal the hold before they entered the hold and extinguished the blaze. No reports of injuries or pollution released. The extent of damage from the incident was not disclosed.

Reports state the Chang Min had various cargo such as compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks, tires, construction machinery and other various products that were combustible. An initial investigation has not determined the source of ignition of the fire.

 

Hon. James L. Oberstar

Hon. James L. Oberstar

Hon. James L. Oberstar
Photo: USCG

On the afternoon of June 8, the 246 meter long, 31204 dwt self-unloading bulk carrier Hon. James L. Oberstar (IMO: 5322518) ran aground on the St. Marys River in the East Neebish Channel off Neebish Island, Michigan. The Hon. James L. Oberstar was proceeding with limestone when it reported striking the bottom.  The bulk carrier sustained some hull damage, but there were no injuries or pollution released.

The Hon. James L. Oberstar was allowed to procced to a nearby anchorage. The Coast Guard dispatched vessels to the site and deployed pollution containment equipment around the stern of the bulk carrier.  On June 11, the 234 meter long bulk carrier Kaye E. Barker (IMO: 5097450) arrived on site to allow transfer of the limestone cargo. After the transfer is completed, the Hon. James L. Oberstar will proceed for repairs.