On February 28, the 292 meter long, 61636 dwt container ship Maersk Garonne ran aground in Fremantle, Australia. The Maersk Garonne was entered the inner harbour when it ran aground on a sand bank. The vessel remained aground a few hours until tugs were able to pull the boxship free. The vessels proceeded to a nearby anchorage. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
The 316 meter long, 90000 dwt container ship MOL Contribution caught fire while berthed in Oakland, California. The fire started in the upper decks inside the third officer’s cabin. Local firefighters were requested and were able to extinguished the blaze in the narrow passageways. No reports of injuries to the 20 persons on board. The MOL Contribution sustained smoke and fire damage to its superstructure including the officers sleeping quarters. Reports state the fire started when an electrical equipment overheated. The MOL Contribution was being loaded for a voyage to Hong Kong. The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.
The 294 meter long, 63046 dwt container vessel Mol Express ran aground at Tateyama, Chiba, Japan. The Mol Express was en route to Tokyo from Auckland when the boxship suffered engine failure. The boxship was able to enter the harbor and dropped anchor, but the vessel was blown on to nearby shallow waters by strong winds. No reports of injuries to the 25 crew on board. The following day four tugs were unable to refloat the Mol Express on the high tide. No reports of damage or pollution released. Reports state the Mol Express was headed to a shipyard for repairs on its main engine.
