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Tag: Bulk carrier

Pan Viva

Pan Viva

Pan Viva
Photo: kucb.org

On October 11, the 225 meter long, 75,026 bulk carrier Pan Viva (IMO:9453494) sustained stability issues in the Unalaska Bay off Unalaska Island, Alaska. The Pan Viva dropped anchor but struggled to remain stable with 58 knot winds and waves reaching 30 feet.  The bulk carrier requested assistance and had four of the 21 crew on board airlifted off the vessel.

Pan Viva
Photo: alaskapublic.org

Authorities are monitoring the Pan Viva with a tugboat and coast guard cutter on standby.  Reports state that conditions are too dangerous to provide any assistance to the bulk carrier until conditions improve. There is concern that the Pan Viva may run ashore with the potential to release some 300,000 metric tons of fuel like the Selendang Ayu in 2004.

On December 8 2004, the 225 meter long 72,937 dwt bulk carrier Selendang Ayu (IMO:9145528) suffered engine failure and ran aground just north of Unalaska. With  60 mile per hour winds and 25 foot waves, helicopters attempted to rescue 24 crew off the vessel. Unfortunately a rogue wave struck one of the helicopters killing six crew. Later the Selendang Ayu broke in two releasing 336,000 gallons of fuel oil killing thousands of birds and other maritime wildlife.  The environmental cleanup took until June 2006.

Multiple Collisions on the Bosphorus

Multiple Collisions on the Bosphorus

Ayed 1
Photo: KEGM

On October 3, the 80 meter long, 2865 dwt bulk carrier Ayed 1 (IMO: 9281138) collided with the 180 meter long, 37,744 dwt bulk carrier Bunun Ace (IMO: 9628570) in the Bosphorus near Pasalimani, Turkey. The two vessels attempted to avoid collision but collided at the stern on both vessels. The Ayed 1 sustained significant hull damage above the waterline on its starboard stern while the Bunun Ace sustained a 2 to 3 meter scrape along it’s port side hull.

During the incident the pilot on the Bunun Ace veered the bulk carrier towards the Üsküdar shoreline.  The Bunun Ace, aided by the tug Kurtarma 5, was able to change course just a few meters before running ashore.  This maneuver also caused the Bunun Ace to allide with the berthed 24 meter long ferry Ferci Saadet (MMSI: 271010517).  There was no damage to the ferry.

Both the Ayed 1 and Bunun Ace were escorted safely to a nearby anchorage area for inspection. There are no reports of injuries or any pollution released. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

 

Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon
Photo: focustaiwan.tw

On the early morning of October 1, the 229 meter long, 79,471 bulk carrier Blue Lagoon (IMO: 9481427)  ran aground off Orchid Island, Taiwan. The Blue Lagoon departed from Caofedian, China with 67,500 tons of iron ore bound for Singapore when the bulk carrier stranded in rough seas caused by Typhoon Krathon.  The vessel ran up on the rocks sustaining hull damage and water ingress. The engine room quickly flooded as the pumps were unable to contain the water ingress. A distress call was sent out and authorities dispatched helicopters from the National Airborne Service Corps to the scene. The helicopters were able to lift all 19 crew off the Blue Lagoon safely to shore where they were examined by medical personnel.  No reports of injuries.

Authorities state that oil had been found in the water near the Blue Lagoon. Reports suspect the vessel’s fuel tanks had ruptured allowing some of the 227 tons of fuel oil on board to spill out into the sea. The local environmental bureau has been requested to contain the oil slick and conduct clean up operations.