The 158 meter long, 14230 dwt container ship Beatriz B became disabled off Santa Cruz de La Palma, Canaries Islands. The Beatriz B had suffered engine failure and went adrift. A tug was dispatched to the scene and took the Beatriz B under tow. A short time later the crew was able to make repairs and restored power. The Beatriz B proceeded to the port of Santa Cruz de La Palma under tug escort. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
On March 6, the 353 meter long, 162051 dwt container ship Maersk Honam caught fire in the Arabian Sea near the Agatti Islands. The Maersk Honam had departed from Singapore and was enroute to the Suez Canal when fire broke out in the one of the containers in the cargo hold. The 27 crew on board began fire fighting efforts to contain the blaze, but the fire quickly spread to other containers. Flames engulfed the main deck and the fire was out of control. The Maersk Honam sent out a distress call before the crew abandoned ship. Twenty-three crew members were later rescued by the cargo vessel ALS Cicero responding. Several crew members had sustained injuries and required medical attention. Four crew were reported as missing and presumed to be still on the Maersk Honam.
Vessels on scene with the Maersk Honam reported several explosions from the intense fire on the container ship. Flames from the main deck reached 25 meters high nearly reaching the Maersk Honam’s bridge.
Indian Coast Guard has launched search and rescue operations to find the missing crew. Specialized vessels have been dispatched to assist while authorities coordinate salvage efforts with the vessel’s owners.
On February 28, the 83 meter long, 30147 gt oil rig West Taurus allided with the 151 meter long, 8932 dwt container ship Spica in the port of Tenerife, Canary Islands. The West Taurus had been moored in the east basin of the port when cyclone Emma passed by the area. Strong winds slammed against the oil rig causing it to pull away from its moorings and break a bollard. Winds continued to push the vessel across the basin until it struck the moored Spica. The Spica sustained a 4 meter long hull breach below the waterline resulting in water ingress in the cargo hold. The hold quickly filled with 9 feet of water as the Spica’s pumps were unable to keep up with the flooding. Seven dewatering pumps along with divers arrived on scene a short time later. The divers patched the hull while the pumps removed the water out of the hold. Tugs towed the West Taurus back to its berth. No reports of injuries.
