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Bunga Alpinia

Bunga Alpinia

The 180 meter long, 37961 dwt chemical tanker Bunga Alpinia caught fire while at the terminal at Labuan, Malaysia.  The vessel was loading 6,000 tons of methanol when it exploded engulfing the vessel in flames.   Two crewmen were killed while another three were injured from heavy burns.  The remaining 24 crewman safely escaped.   Local firefighters where called to the scene while some 1,000 residents were evacuated.   Before the fire was brought under control, there was a third explosion.   The explosion was heard some eight kilometers  away.   The tanker remains afloat partially listing to port next to the jetty which was partially destroyed.   The authorities state the initial cause of the explosion was most likely a lightning strike.   The vessel had been struck by lightning twice earlier.  The Bunga Alpinia was set to load 15,000 tons of methanol bound for China.

Photos from nst.com.my

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MSC Flaminia Under Control

MSC Flaminia Under Control

According to salvage experts on site, the fire onboard MSC FLAMINIA is under control since yesterday afternoon. The tugboat ANGLIAN SOVEREIGN is constantly monitoring temperatures onboard the vessel via a laser thermometer and is ready to resume cooling if necessary. Due to thick fog the salvage team is currently unable to board MSC FLAMINIA. As soon as visibility improves, a salvage team will go onboard to check each container individually and extinguish any discovered fires. Only after this procedure MSC FLAMINIA will receive the permission to make a port call. It is currently not concluded which port the vessel will call next as this is still under review. MSC FLAMINIA is still towed by FAIRMOUNT EXPEDITION, with ANGLIAN SOVEREIGN und CARLO MAGNO on standby. The group sails at a speed of 5kn towards Europe and is currently situated 320 nautical miles off the coast of the UK. The vessel still lists by approximately 10 degrees due to damaged cargo and extinguishing water.

More photos of MSC vessels from shipspotting.com

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MSC Flaminia Update

MSC Flaminia Update

The firefighting operations at MSC FLAMINIA continue, the second firefighting tugboat ANGLIAN SOVEREIGN arrived this morning at the site of the incident. The third, CARLO MAGNO, is expected on site Saturday noon. After the arrival of the second firefighting tugboat, a party of four salvage specialists has boarded MSC FLAMINIA. The team was able to reactivate the ship’s own fire fighting system. It is now additionally supporting the firefighting operations of both tugboats. Due to damaged cargo and extinguishing water the ship is listing by 8.5 degrees. The extent of the damage onboard our MSC FLAMINIA is considerable. Cargo holds 4 – where the fire originated from -, 5 and 6 are demolished. According to salvage specialists cargo hold 7, which is located adjacent to the superstructure, is not on fire. The superstructure itself, the engine room as well as bow and stern – including the steering gear – are all not affected by the fire.

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