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Tag: Container ship

Eco Levant

Eco Levant

Eco Levant
Photo: ndr.de

On the early morning of January 16, the 148 meter long, 13684 dwt container ship Eco Levant (IMO:9985954) ran aground on the Kiel Canal near Rüstersbergen, Germany. The Eco Levant was proceeding on the canal from Antwerp in dense fog when it suffered a mechanical breakdown and engine failure.  Unable to steer, the boxship drifted until it was stuck on the northern embankment.  Authorities dispatched the tugs Holtenau (IMO: 8200321) and Fairplay 66 (IMO: 9036258) to assist. The tugs pulled the Eco Levant off the embankment and towed it Osterrönfeld.  No reports of injuries or pollution released.  The water police has launched an investigation into the incident.

Eco Levant
Photo: kn-online.de
Dolphin 18

Dolphin 18

Dolphin 18
Photo: dantri.com.vn

On the morning of December 11, the 93 meter long, 7950 dwt cargo vessel Dolphin 18 (IMO: 9216341) sank in the South China Sea some 146 nautical miles north of Riau Islands, Indonesia. The Dolphin 18 was headed to An Giang from Papua New Guinea with 5,300 cubic meters of wood when it suffered undisclosed accident and sent out a distress call. The 18 crew on board were able to abandon ship into 2 life rafts before the Dolphin 18 sank.

Authorities in Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam issued out a maritime notice for nearby vessels to look for the life rafts. Fortunately, the 199 meter long container ship Nicolai Maersk (IMO: 9192454) was close by and safely rescued the 18 crew. Reports state all crew members are in good condition and no reports of injuries. The Nicolai Maersk will transport the crew to Tanjung Pelepas, Malaysia.

Nicolai Maersk

The details as to why the cargo vessel sank have not be disclosed. Reports due state that weather was rough with strong winds reaching near gale force (28 knots) and waves reaching 5 meters high.  No government authority has announced any investigation into the incident. The Dolphin 18 is operated by Hai Phuong Shipping Company Limited based in Vietnam.

 

Kuala Mas

Kuala Mas

Kuala Mas
Photo: kompas.com

On the afternoon hours of December 21, the 128 meter long, 8753 dwt container ship Kuala Mas (IMO:9555632) sank in Kupang Bay off Bolok Village, West Kupang District, Indonesia. The Kuala Mas was proceeding from Makassar to Kupang with cargo of containers loaded with rice and cement.  Reports state the Kuala Mas had suffered a breakdown and went adrift before it allided with the anchored 127 meter long, 12959 dwt tanker Maritim Khatulistiwa (IMO: 9300776).  The allision resulted in a hole in the hull below the waterline on the Kuala Mas. The vessel suffered water ingress and  developed a 10 degree list to starboard.

After several hours of attempting to control the flooding, the crew determined the water ingress could not be abated. The master of the Kuala Mas decided the only action left was to head for shallow water to prevent the vessel from sinking in deeper waters. The vessel headed towards the Bolok Kupang pier, but the Kuala Mas was in danger of sinking before reaching the dock. Authorities received a request for evacuation with the NTT Police responding. Three rescue boats arrived and transported all 20 crew safely to shore. No reports of injuries.

The Kuala Mas would later capsize and sink a short time later. Many of the cargo containers broke free from the sinking ship with some floating away while others sinking to the seabed. Authorities plan to collect the floating containers. A boom was placed around the wreckage to contain any oil pollution. The incident is under investigation. The Kuala Mas had previously caught fire back in 2018 off Nirwana Island.