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Tag: Cargo Vessel

Sofia

Sofia

Sofia
Photo: Swedish Maritime Authority

On the evening of November 28, the 70 meter long, 1827 dwt cargo vessel Sofia (IMO: 8616087) suffered an explosion and fire in Baltic Sea some 30 nautical miles off the coast of Bornholm, Denmark. The Sofia was proceeding in ballast from Poland to Karlshamn when the vessel alerted authorities a mayday alert and the crew needed to abandon ship. Both Danish and Swedish authorities dispatched helicopters and vessels to the scene. Reports state a Swedish rescue helicopter was first to arrive over the Sofia and were able to winch up all 5 crew safely.  The helicopter took the crew to Kristianstad and were reported unharmed from the incident. Polish authorities also dispatched the rescue vessel Kapitan Poinc along with a tugboat towards the drifting Sofia.

Sofia
Photo: tvn24.pl

Reports state the vessel’s owners had dispatched a tug from Rostock to take the Sofia under tow and take it to a shipyard for repair. No details on the cause of the explosion nor the extent of damage caused by the explosion and the fire. Authorities stated the Sofia was not a threat to navigation in the area.

 

Istanbul Collision

Istanbul Collision

Marla Orca
Photo: gazetebirlik.com

On November 21, the 100 meter long, 7748 dwt cargo vessel Marla Orca (IMO: 9217802) collided with the 116 meter long, 3329 dwt cargo vessel DSK1 (IMO: 8721442) in the Sea of Marmara off Kartal, Istanbul, Turkey. The Marla Orca was anchored off Kartal when strong winds caused its anchor to drag causing it to strike the nearby anchored DSK1.

The collision resulted in visible damage to both cargo vessels.  The vessels will be further inspected to ensure seaworthiness. However, there were no reports of injuries or pollution released. Both vessels were able to maneuver to more secure anchorage. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

VSG Glory

VSG Glory

VSG Glory
Photo: x.com

On the morning of November 23, the 100 meter long, 8191 dwt cargo vessel VSG Glory (IMO: 9103025) ran aground in the Red Sea off El Quseir, Egypt. The VSG Glory was en route to Port Tawfiq in Suez from Yemen with 4,000 tons of cargo. Proceeding in heavy seas and strong winds, the cargo vessel suffered a technical malfunction off El Quseir. The VGS Glory drifted until it was nearly ashore when it pilled up on a coral reef.  No reports of injuries.

The vessel sustained substantial damage with a fracture in the hull and water ingress causing the VSG Glory to sink by the stern. The engine room was reported as flooded releasing pollution in the area.  Authorities dispatched a team to the scene and placed booms and absorbent pads to contain the pollution. These booms would later separate allowing the pollution to contaminate the reef and nearby shoreline.   Reports state the coral reef had extensive damage caused by the grounding and pollution released.