The 179 meter long, 28259 dwt bulk freighter Bright Royal went aground off the island of Ly Son near Da Nang, Vietnam. The Bright Royal was en route from Vung Ang bound for Bangladesh with 27,500 tons of clinker when it ran onto the rocks. The freighter’s hull suffered two cracks and suffered water ingress. No reports of injuries to the 24 crew on board. Authorities have reported that fuel oil was released into the water from punctured fuel tanks.
The 273 meter long, 151279 dwt bulk freighter Smart went aground on a sandbar off Richards Bay, South Africa. The bulk freighter had finished loading its 147,650 tons of coal at the terminal at Richards Bay when left the harbour. The Smart only travelled a short distance when its engines failed. The heavy swells pushed the bulk freighter onto the shallows. The Smart suffered a massive crack and eventually broke-in-two by the following day. All 23 crew were rescued by NSRI helicopter crews. No reports of injuries.
Authorities state they are fearing the worse case scenario as the vessel had 1,500 tons of heavy fuel oil and a large quantity of diesel fuel. Some pollution has already been spotted and clean up operations have begun.
Reports state the vessel did not have a pilot on board when it left the harbour. The vessel’s owners, Esmeralda Schiffahrts, has stated that clean up operations will be covered by the company and its insurers.
Donations to assist the National Sea Rescue Institute can be made at: http://www.nsri.org.za/ways-to-support-us/give-a-donation
The 190 meter long, 56824 dwt bulk freighter Trans Summer sank off Hong Kong. The Trans Summer was at anchor with its cargo of nickle ore at an anchorage 45 miles southwest when it became overwhelmed by 15 meter waves and 90 kph winds caused by Typhoon Utor. The bulk freighter had suffered some water ingress in the hold causing the cargo to shift and the vessel capsized and sank.
The 21 crew were able to send out a distress call before abandoning ship. Some of the crew were able to reach the life rafts while others jump into the water as the vessel listed from 30 degrees onto its side. Authorities dispatched two helicopters to the scene which were able to save all 21 men. The Trans Summer was headed to China from Indonesia before it sank. No further details reported.
