On November 8, the 110 meter long self-propelled tanker-barge Blue Marjan (MMSI:244376425) collided with another vessel on the Ghent-Terneuzen Canal near Sas van Gent, Belgium. Reports state the Blue Marjan sustained hull damage to its bow, but no reports of pollution released.
No further details reported.
On the early morning hours of November 1, the 179 meter long, 30,765 dwt bulk carrier Louisa Bolten (IMO: 9407049) collided with the 156.5 meter long, 26,071 dwt tanker Southern Puma (IMO: 9792008) in the Strait of Gibraltar off Algeciras, Spain. The Southern Puma was headed for Bilbao from Antwerp with a cargo of paraffin when the Louisa Bolten, en route from Avonmouth to Aliaga, struck the forward starboard section of the Southern Puma. While the bulk carrier sustained bow damage, the tanker suffered more damage on its starboard hull with at least one of the tanker’s hold breached. After the collision, authorities dispatched multiple vessels along with aircraft to the scene. Authorities found the Southern Puma had released pollution into the sea. An investigation found that 600 tons of liquid paraffin had been spilled.
The Southern Puma was escorted by four tugs to the port of Algeciras where it will transfer the cargo to another vessel before it can go into drydock. A boom was placed around the vessel to contain any further pollution released. Reports state some of the liquid paraffin released has solidified and washed ashore.
Initial reports state the Southern Puma had disabled its AIS prior to the collision. The Louisa Bolten was inspected and allowed to proceed on its voyage for Aliaga, Turkey. The incident remains under investigation.
Around midnight of November 1, the 100 meter long, 5187 dwt LPG tanker Era Star (IMO: 9988061) collided with the cargo vessel Mizan in the Pashur Channel near Bagerhat, Bangladesh. The Era Star loaded with LPG struck head-on with the Mizan loaded with 500 tons of coal. While no major damage was reported on the Era Star, the Mizan sustained significant hull damage to its bow resulting in water ingress. The eight crew of the Mizan feared the vessel was going to sink and abandoned ship into the water. Reports state all eight were able to make it ashore. No reports of injuries on the Era Star.
Authorities report a nearby fishing vessel had been caught up in the collision and sank. The sole person on board the vessel was reported missing. The Bangladesh Coast Guard conducted a search and rescue operation for the missing person. A diving team has also done searches in the area.
Reports state the owner of the Mizan has started lightering the coal onto another vessel. No further details reported.