On August 19, the 100 meter long, 4798 dwt cargo vessel EFES (IMO: 9197686) caught fire in the Bay of Bengal some 540 miles east of Chennai, India. The EFES was en route to Port Klang from Visakhapatnam when it reported a fire on board the vessel. Authorities have requested vessels in the area to assist. No further details reported.
The 225 meter long, 58136 dwt LPG tanker BW Maple collided with the 181 meter long, 44885 dwt tanker Dawn Kanchipuram in the Bay of Bengal near Kamaraiar, Chennai, India. The Dawn Kanchipuram was heading towards the port with a cargo of diesel fuel and lube oil when it was struck amidships by the BW Maple which had left port in ballast. The BW Maple’s bow struck just in front of the superstructure on the portside hull.
The Dawn Kanchipuram’s hull was breached and several tons of oil pollution was released into the sea. No reports of injuries. Officials stated the Dawn Kanchipuram proceeded to port and unloaded its cargo.
The 174 meter long, 29810 dwt tanker Pratibha Cauvery went aground near Besant Nagar, India. The vessel had unloaded its cargo at Chennai when a cyclone struck. The rough seas and high winds pushed the vessel aground just meters from shore. Twenty-two of the 37 crewmen on board decided to abandon ship by using one of the vessel’s lifeboats. However, the rough seas quickly capsized the lifeboat sending the men into the water. Six men were washed away while the others held onto the capsized lifeboat. Local fishermen, Indian Coast Guard and Navy were able to rescue the men. No reports of pollution released. Authorities state the tanker will be refloated.
