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Komander

Komander

Komander

On the afternoon of October 28, the 274 meter long, 150,581 dwt tanker Komander (IMO: 9271585) ran aground near kilometer 47 of the Suez Canal. The Komander was proceeding southbound in the canal when it suffered a mechanical breakdown The tanker went adrift and eventually ran aground.

Suez Canal Authorities were alerted and dispatched multiple tugs to assist. The tugs Mohamed Bashir,  Mosaed 4, Port Said 3, Suez 1, Nabil El-Hilali arrived on the scene. The tugs were able to pull the Komander free in less than an hour. Another tug took over towing and the vessels proceeded to the Bitter Lakes where the tanker dropped anchor.

No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released. Authorities state that no traffic was disrupted during the incident.  The Komander was built in 2004 and is reported to be part of the Russian shadow fleet of tankers.

Royal Evolution

Royal Evolution

Royal Evolution
Photo: Deeperblue.com

On October 24, the 40 meter long passenger ship Royal Evolution (IMO: 9391191) ran aground in the Red Sea on Adu Dabab Four Reef.  Reports state the vessel’s keel struck the reef and went firmly aground. The passengers and crew remained on board initially as conditions were calm and the vessel was in no danger of sinking.  However, as the tide ebbed, the passengers were safely evacuated and taken ashore.  No reports of injuries.

Reports state the Royal Evolution suffered hull damage with fuel tanks ruptured. Diesel fuel had leaked into the lower decks of the vessel.  Initial attempts to pull the Royal Evolution off the reef failed. The Royal Evolution would remain on the reef for several days before it was refloated on the morning of October 27.  The Royal Evolution would proceed to Port Safaga for repairs.

Egyptian authorities did not disclose if any diesel fuel pollution had been released into the sea. No details if the reef sustained damage from the grounding.

Admarine 12

Admarine 12

Admarine 12
Photo: x.com

On July 1, the 33 meter long  jack-up rig barge Admarine 12 (IMO: 8755778) capsized in the Gulf of Suez some 130 nautical miles south of the Suez Canal. The Admarine 12 was being towed by three offshore tugs to a new drilling site in the Gabal El-Zeit area when barge the barge to lost stability.  With no way to correct the weight imbalance, the barge quickly rolled over in minutes sending all the people on board into the water.

A distress call was sent out by the tugs with rescue services arriving from Gabal El-Zeit. The rescuers were able to locate 23 survivors from the sea. Many had suffered various injuries from the incident that required medical treatment. Four bodies were also recovered by their effort.  However, three additional people were still listed as missing. The Egyptian Navy would later join the search and rescue efforts looking for the missing.

Admarine 12
Photo: x.com

There is some speculation to the cause of the leg failures and capsizing.  Local news reports there was a technical malfunction that caused the imbalanced. Others have pointed to the age of the Admarine 12 stating the barge may have suffered structural failure due to its prolonged use.  The Admarine 12 had been built in 1966 and lacked the structural analysis and engineering that modern jack-up platforms undergo today. Authorities and the barge owner Osoco have stated if the Admarine 12 will be salvaged or be scrapped. The incident is under investigation by Egyptian authorities.