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Tag: Bulk carrier

Spar Indus

Spar Indus

Spar Indus
Photo: Chile Navy

On the early morning of November 13, the 200 meter long, 63,800 dwt bulk carrier Spar Indus (IMO: 9734991) ran aground in the Gulf of Arauco some 3.5 nautical miles off Punta Cochinos, Santa Maria Island, Chile. The Spar Indus was en route to Cabo Froward (Coronel) from Santos, Brazil when is stranded.

Authorities dispatched a response team to scene to determine the status of the vessel and begin an investigation into the incident. Divers found the Spar Indus in stable condition, no oil pollution had been released and all 21 crew were uninjured.

Tugs were dispatched to help free the bulk carrier which was finally refloated early on November 14. The Spar Indus then proceeded around the north end of Santa Maria Island to the Bay of Coronel where it anchored.

 

Collision off Gibraltar

Collision off Gibraltar

Southern Puma
Photo: puentedemando.com

On the early morning hours of November 1, the 179 meter long, 30,765 dwt bulk carrier Louisa Bolten (IMO: 9407049) collided with the 156.5 meter long, 26,071 dwt tanker Southern Puma (IMO: 9792008) in the Strait of Gibraltar off Algeciras, Spain. The Southern Puma was headed for Bilbao from Antwerp with a cargo of paraffin when the Louisa Bolten, en route from Avonmouth to Aliaga, struck the forward starboard section of the Southern Puma. While the bulk carrier sustained bow damage, the tanker suffered more damage on its starboard hull with at least one of the tanker’s hold breached. After the collision, authorities dispatched multiple vessels along with aircraft to the scene. Authorities found the Southern Puma had released pollution into the sea. An investigation found that 600 tons of liquid paraffin had been spilled.

The Southern Puma was escorted by four tugs to the port of Algeciras where it will transfer the cargo to another vessel before it can go into drydock. A boom was placed around the vessel to contain any further pollution released. Reports state some of the liquid paraffin released has solidified and washed ashore.

Initial reports state the Southern Puma had disabled its AIS prior to the collision. The Louisa Bolten was inspected and allowed to proceed on its voyage for Aliaga, Turkey. The incident remains under investigation.

Beyond 2

Beyond 2

Beyond 2
Photo: argenports.com.ar

On October 22, the 181 meter long, 34126 dwt bulk carrier Beyond 2 (IMO: 9526564) ran aground twice on the Paraná River near Rosario, Argentina. The Beyond 2 departed from the ACA terminal in San Lorenzo with 33,000 tons of sorghum with a pilot onboard. The Beyond 2 proceeded downstream when the bulk carrier touch bottom on the river. The Beyond 2 remained aground for 24 hours until two tugboats arrived and successfully refloated it. The Beyond 2 continued on its voyage when it ran aground again an hour later. The vessel had vessel had veered just 40 meters outside the navigation channel and became stuck.  Two tugboats were sent again and freed the Beyond 2 again. The Beyond 2 proceeded to anchor in Rosario for inspections.  No reports of injuries or pollution released.

Beyond 2
Photo: argenports.com.ar

Reports state the dredging on the river in the area allowed sediment to settle on a single mound which has become a hazard to navigation. The Beyond 2 was kept at a draft of 9.77 meters which should have allowed it to pass over the area dredged to 10 meters deep.