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Tag: Bulk carrier

Leonardo

Leonardo

Leonardo
Photo: denizhaber.com.tr

On August 27, the 114 meter long, 3348 dwt bulk carrier Leonardo broke-in-two and sank on the Black Sea off Kilyos, Turkey. The Leonardo was en route to Istanbul to undergo repairs at the Tuzla shipyard.  The vessel was waiting at anchor off Kilyos when it suffered a structural failure. A large crack developed amidships and the vessel began to hog. The Leonardo sent out a distress call and the 11 crew on board were rescued by the Coast Security General Directorate and the Coast Guard. No reports of injuries.

https://youtu.be/YKrutRzdb9M

The crack increased in size and eventually the vessel broke-in-two. The forward section of the Leonardo drifted away from the stern, filled with water after several hours and eventually sank. The stern section was taken under tow and taken to the shoreline where it was driven aground in order to avoid it from sinking. Conditions prevented from emptying the fuel tanks on board immediately.  It would take a few additional days before salvage operations could reach the tanks and begin removal of the fuel.

MV Beaumont

MV Beaumont

MV Beaumont
Photo: zululandobserver.co.za

On August 28, the Philippine-registered MV Beaumont ran aground off Richards Bay, South Africa. The bulk carrier had finished loading at the coal terminal and was being assisted out to sea.  As the vessel reached the main channel, it was pushed onto a sandbank by the incoming tide.  Three tugs came to the aid of the MV Beaumont and were able to pull her free 30-minutes later. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.

Authorities had the MV Beaumont inspected for damage. An investigation was launched into the cause of the incident. Reports state the vessel may had suffered a malfunction before it had run aground.

Cheshire

Cheshire

Cheshire
Photo: canarias7.es

On August 13, the 190 meter long, 56598 dwt bulk carrier Cheshire exploded and caught fire in the Atlantic Ocean near Gran Canaria, Canary Islands. The Cheshire was headed for Thailand from Norway with 40,000 tons of ammonium nitrate when the crew was alerted there was a fire in the cargo holds.

CHESHIRE

The vessel wanted to divert to Las Palmas on Canary Island, but authorities at Las Palmas refused entry of the bulk carrier. They were concern of the possible explosion in the harbor like that of the SS Grandcamp in 1947 in Texas City. When that vessel’s cargo of 960 tons of ammonium nitrate exploded, it destroyed some 1000 buildings and killing over 450 persons.  The Cheshire was loaded with more than 40 times more than the SS Grandcamp and was ordered to stay offshore.

On August 14, authorities had their caution confirmed. The ammonium nitrate had exploded in Hold No. 4 on the Cheshire followed by several smaller explosions. A fire burned in the hold spewing out dense smoke. With the situation becoming increasingly dangerous, the 24 crew on the Cheshire abandoned ship being evacuated by two rescue helicopters.

The next morning found the Cheshire still burning, but afloat. The bulk carrier’s owners had considered scuttling the Cheshire, but changed their minds. With Salvors nearby, the owner’s planned to extinguish the blaze and tow the bulk carrier back to port. A salvage vessel along with a tugboat were dispatched to monitor and assess the situation.

The latest reports stated the Cheshire continues to spew out smoke from the cargo holds, but there were no flames or visible fire. The hatch cover over cargo hold No. 4 was damaged and there was still intense heat coming from the hold.  Salvors will attempt to cool the hold with water before towing the bulk carrier to port.