On August 25, the 72 meter long, 2156 dwt cargo vessel ITT Puma (IMO: 8116128) sank in Bay of Bengal some 90 nautical miles south off Sagar Island, India. The ITT Puma departed from Kolkata on August 24 partially loaded with general cargo bound for Port Blair. During the night of August 25, the ITT Puma lost stability and capsized in bad weather before it finally sank.
Indian authorities received a distress signal from the ITT Puma. The Indian Coast Guard dispatched a helicopter along with the rescue vessels Amogh and Sarang. The Coast Guard was able to locate 11 survivors after they had fired red flares from the life raft. The crew received medical treatment and transported to Paradip. Three crewmen were reported missing.
The Indian Coast Guard is monitoring the location where the ITT Puma sank. There was some concern that pollution may be released from the fuel tanks.
On July 10, the cargo vessel Ultra Galaxy went aground along a remote part of the west coast of South Africa known as Brand se Baai. The Ultra Galaxy had been abandoned days earlier when the cargo vessel had developed a heavy list and was in danger of capsizing. Authorities had dispatched two tugs to start salvage operations. Reports state the vessel had a full cargo of fertilizer in bags in the hold and fuel tanks loaded with fuel oil.
Photo: samsa.org.za
Photo: samsa.org.za
Photo: samsa.org.za
On July 12, a salvage team was working on site on the Ultra Galaxy. The cargo vessel had partially capsized and several cargo hatches had broken free. Authorities state the first goal is to remove the cargo along with fuel and hydraulic oil onboard to prevent further pollution being released. Teams are currently working the beach near the vessel and removing flotsam along with several cargo hatches from the beaches. Divers inspected the hull and attempted to seal the fuel tanks to prevent any further pollution being released.
Photo: samsa.org.za
Photo: samsa.org.za
Photo: samsa.org.za
On July 16, authorities reported the weather has improved and salvage efforts are continuing. Unfortunately, many of the hatches of the cargo vessel were open to the sea allowing much of the fertilizer cargo to be washed away. Some of the fertilizer bags have reached the shoreline, but much of the cargo has been released into the sea.
Photo: samsa.org.za
Photo: samsa.org.za
Photo: samsa.org.za
Photo: samsa.org.za
On July 28, salvage work on the Ultra Galaxy was slowed by bad weather. Salvage teams had been able to remove 8 tons of fuel oil and several oil drums off the vessel before another storm hit the area. Swells 7 meters high pounded the vessel which eventually caused the Ultra Galaxy to break up. The accommodation section broke off before the rest of the vessel split into several sections. Reports state an oil spill will impact the immediate area with pollution washing ashore. Authorities have deployed a team of some 125 people to the area to assist in the pollution cleanup.
The 65 meter long tanker Terra Nova capsized and sank six kilometers off Lamao Point, Bataan, Philippines. The tanker was enroute from Iloilo City with 1494 tons of fuel oil on board when it had suffered a mechanical breakdown and taken under tow. As Typhoon Gaemi was passing over the area, the tanker was swamped by the heavy seas causing the Terra Nova to capsize and sink. Reports state 16 of the 17 crew on board were later rescued. One crewman perished when the Terra Nova sank.
Photo: Philippine Coast Guard
The Philippine Coast Guard reported an oil slick had developed over the sunken tanker. The slick stretched some 12 kilometers threatening local fishing and beaches. Authorities dispatched barriers and oil skimmers to the scene to help mitigate the pollution. Divers inspected the sunken tanker to ensure the tank valves were sealed to prevent further oil leaking. Authorities state they plan to siphon the oil off the tanker before the Terra Nova will be towed to a shallower area.
Update July 29:
News reports state the Terra Nova is still leaking oil and the oil slick has not yet been contained.
