The 366 meter long container ship MSC Fabiola ran aground in the southern end of the Suez Canal, Egypt. The MSC Fabiola was en route to Oman from Malta when it suffered engine failure. Without power, the boxship drifted aground. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released. Traffic on the canal was blocked with eight ships detained. The MSC Fabiola remain aground until the following day when it was refloated assisted by six tugs.
The 168 meter long, 20615 dwt container ship TS Taipei broke up just offshore off Taiwan. The TS Taipei had gone ashore on March 10 after suffering engine failure. The vessel remained hard aground while salvage operations attempted to remove fuel off the vessel. However, salvage was suspended due to a severe storm which also caused the vessel finally broke-in-two. The hull cracked amidships and fuel oil was released from ruptured bunker tanks. Authorities dispatched a pollution response team to the scene along with multiple boats. Booms were placed around the pollution to contain any further oil released. Reports also state that several containers have fallen overboard which may contain hazardous chemicals.
The 168 meter long, 20615 dwt container ship TS Taipei ran aground just off the Taiwan coast near New Taipei City. The TS Taipei had suffered engine failure during a strong storm. The boxship was blown aground just 300 meters off the beach. The TS Taipei suffered hull damage and water ingress. The vessel’s engine room flooded and oil pollution was released into the sea. Authorities laid out barriers to contain the pollution. All 21 crew on board were airlifted off the TS Taipei. No reports of injuries.
