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Tag: Bulk carrier

Hon. James L. Oberstar

Hon. James L. Oberstar

Hon. James L. Oberstar
Photo: USCG

On the afternoon of June 8, the 246 meter long, 31204 dwt self-unloading bulk carrier Hon. James L. Oberstar (IMO: 5322518) ran aground on the St. Marys River in the East Neebish Channel off Neebish Island, Michigan. The Hon. James L. Oberstar was proceeding with limestone when it reported striking the bottom.  The bulk carrier sustained some hull damage, but there were no injuries or pollution released.

The Hon. James L. Oberstar was allowed to procced to a nearby anchorage. The Coast Guard dispatched vessels to the site and deployed pollution containment equipment around the stern of the bulk carrier.  On June 11, the 234 meter long bulk carrier Kaye E. Barker (IMO: 5097450) arrived on site to allow transfer of the limestone cargo. After the transfer is completed, the Hon. James L. Oberstar will proceed for repairs.

 

Run Fu 3

Run Fu 3

Run Fu 3
Photo: maritimesutra.com

On the morning of June 11 the 171 meter long, 32115 dwt bulk carrier Run Fu 3 (IMO: 9138903) was abandoned in the Indian Ocean approximately 500 nautical miles south of the Maldives. The Run Fu 3 was headed to Lome from Tianjin when it suffered uncontrolled water ingress in one of the cargo holds. The bulk carrier’s pumps were unable to contain the flooding forcing the 23 crew on board to abandon ship. The crew sent out a distress call before evacuating into life rafts near lat 09 04 48S, long 073 34 06E.

Run Fu 3
Photo: maritimesutra.com

The 190 meter long bulk carrier Maple Harbour (IMO: 9593323) heard the distress call and diverted course to assist. the Maple Harbour reached the lifeboats several hours later and rescued all 23 crew members.   The Maple Harbour proceeded towards Port Louis, Mauritius where the Run Fu 3 to be transferred.

The Run Fu 3 was last reported adrift in sinking condition. No reports of injuries.

Meshka

Meshka

Meshka
Photo: Swedish Coast Guard

On May 31, the 180 meter long, 35829 dwt bulk carrier Meshka (IMO: 9588380)  ran aground in the Öresund near Landskrona, Sweden.  The Meshka was proceeding to Vysotsk from Skagen in ballast when it proceeded to be off course. Authorities alerted the vessel was on the wrong course, but the vessel didn’t change course before it grounded.  The Swedish Coast Guard responded with multiple vessels to the scene. The Coast Guard found the vessel was firmly aground on the sandy bottom and the bulk carrier had no significant hull damage from the incident and there were no injuries to the 24 crew members on board.

Authorities quickly launched an investigation into the grounding. The Coast Guard questioned the crew and checked for any crew member being intoxicated which all returned negative. Reports state the crew of the Meshka was warned it was off course and had enough time to avoid going aground. Either the crew ignored the urgency to change course or failed to complete any maneuvers before it was too late. Swedish Prosecutors are looking into negligence and if criminal charges will be issued to the crew.

The owners of the Meshka have been asked to provide a salvage plan that would be approved by the Coast Guard and Swedish authorities. The Coast Guard has stated they will monitor the vessel for any potential pollution and contain it. The Meshka had some 938 tons of fuel oil in its tanks at the time of the incident.