The 225 meter long, 75750 dwt bulk carrier Golden Ice caught fire while berthed in Dunkirk, France. The bulk carrier had arrived from Canada and begun unloading operations when the fire broke out in the hold. The fire had started from terminal equipment that had been lowered into the hold. The local fire brigade was contacted and was able to extinguish the blaze from shore while assisted by fire tugs. No reports of injuries and damaged was limited. No reports of injuries.
On October 12, the 300 meter long, 209090 dwt bulk carrier Conquistador allided with a quay near Odessa, Ukraine. The Conquistador had arrived from Vancouver with coal and was maneuvering to a berth when it’s bow struck the quay. The bulker sustained a dent to its bow while the quay suffered some damage. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
The 190 meter long, 33205 dwt bulk carrier Emerald Star foundered some 150 nautical miles east of the coast off Cagayan, Philippines. The Emerald Star had departed from Buli, Indonesia with a cargo of nickel ore and 26 crew bound for Lianyungang, China.
While passing through the Luzon Strait, it encountered rough seas due to proximity of Typhoon Odette. The conditions caused the cargo to liquefy and the bulk carrier lost stability. The crew of the Emerald Star was able to sent out a distress call before the vessel capsized and sank.
The Japanese Coast Guard launched a search and rescue operation. Two boats and three aircraft were dispatched to search for survivors. Four nearby vessels joined the search operations. These nearby vessels were able to rescue 15 crew from the water.
Reports state 11 crew were still reported as missing. Search operations had been hampered by bad weather. An oil slick is visible around the area where the Emerald Star sank.