On March 28, the 189 meter long, 15787 dwt self-unloader bulk carrier Mississagi sustained damage in Whitefish Bay, Lake Superior. The Mississagi was proceeding towards the Soo Locks when it struck ice and tore a hole in the vessel’s bow. The crew was able to make temporary a patch and the vessel continued on its voyage to Monroe for repairs. No reports of injuries or pollution released. The Mississagi was en route in ballast to Toledo for a cargo of coal.
On March 31, the 229 meter long, 82000 dwt bulk carrier Ever Judger caught fire while anchored off Borneo near Balikpanan, Indonesia. The Ever Judger had completed loading some 70,000 tons of coal and was preparing to depart for Lumut. At the same time, a crew was working off a jetty near the Chevron Terminal. The workers spotted a fuel oil spill in the water and attempted to clear up the spill by igniting it. The oil slick quickly engulfed in flames reaching up to 6 feet above the water. The burning slick drifted until it reached the port side of the Ever Judger. Authorities dispatched tugs hoping to prevent the bulk carrier from catching fire while the 20 crew on the Ever Judger evacuated. The tugs were only slightly effective as the port hull and superstructure sustained significant damage.
One crewman on the Ever Judger was injured by the flames requiring treatment. Reports state two fishermen perished from the fire and three more were reported as missing. Authorities have begun spraying the area with oil dispersants to breakup the pollution. Authorities have also launched an investigation into the source of the fuel oil spilled into the water. Reports state the fuel oil was not a product produced at the nearby terminal.
On March 15, the 180 meter long, 25565 dwt bulk carrier Harriett ran aground in the White Sea off Mudyug Island near Arkhangelsk, Russia. The Harriett had departed from Arkhangelsk escorted by an icebreaker bound for Terneuzen with 20,000 tons of coal. As the vessels proceeded through the ice, the Harriett suffered engine failure and went adrift. The bulk carrier drifted with the ice into shallow water and went hard aground. No reports of injuries. Reports state the Harriett requires lightering before it can be salvaged.