On August 27, the 70 meter long, 1,500 dwt cargo vessel Everwin Star II (IMO: 9140279) suffered an explosion while berthed in Tondo, Manila, Philippines. Reports state the explosion occurred during cargo loading when a spark ignited paint and LPG tanks stored in a forward compartment. The explosion and resulting fire took several hours for local fire fighters to extinguish. No details reported of the extent of damage to the Everwin Star II.
One crewman perished in the explosion while two other crew members sustained burns and later taken to hospital for treatment. Local police and fire authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
On August 22, the 135 meter long self-propelled barge Rimari caught fire while en route to Antwerp on the Albert Canal off Eversel, Belgium. The fire started in the vessel’s generator located in the forward engine room. The master of the Rimari was able to extinguish the blaze using the vessel’s built-in fire suppression system. The local fire brigade arrived on scene a short time later and assisted in ventilating the engine room. An inspection found there had been some damage, but the extent of damage was not reported. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
On August 21, the 274 meter long, 163,759 dwt oil tanker Sounion (IMO: 9312145) caught fire in the Red Sea some 77 nautical miles off Hodeidah, Yeman. The Sounion was enroute to Iraq with 150,000 tons of crude oil when it was approached by two small vessels off Yemen. The vessels approached the tanker within a few miles before they turned away after an exchange of small arms fire. Soon after the Sounion was struck by multiple projectiles resulting in explosions and fire on board the tanker. Reports state the engine room sustained material damage disabling the steering. The Sounion went adrift for a short time before the crew was later able to drop anchor.
Photo: x.com
Conflicting reports state the crew of 25 on board the Sounion remained on board the tanker to assess damage. However, there are reports that the crew had abandoned ship in the vessel’s lifeboat and was rescued by the nearby vessel. This same report stated the crew was later transported to Dijbouti. No reports of the extent of damage caused by the projectiles on board the Sounion or if any oil pollution had been released.
The attack on the Sounion was not an isolated event. The 190 meter long, 55989 dwt bulk carrier SW North Wind (IMO: 9514004) reported five explosions near the vessel while 57 miles off Aden. The explosions did not cause any damage and there were no reports of injuries. The bulk carrier was able to continue on its voyage.
