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Tag: Fire

Update Sounion

Update Sounion

Sounion
Photo: EUNAVFOR ASPIDES

August 21

Confirm reports state the following:

  • The Sounion was impacted by three projectiles on the starboard quarter damaging the engine room
  • A fire in the engine room had been contained, but the fire and explosion had caused a power blackout on the tanker
  • The crew was able to abandon ship with one crew member sustaining a minor injury
  • The Sounion was able to drop anchor

August 23

A second attack was executed on the abandoned 274 meter long, 163,759 dwt oil tanker Sounion (IMO: 9312145). Explosive charges were placed on the deck and detonated resulting in further explosions and fires on at least five sections on the main deck. The Sounion appears to still be afloat, but reports state the vessel’s structural integrity is at high risk.

August 28

An attempt to salvage the Sounion ended in failure.  Two tugs were dispatched with plans to bring the tanker under tow to a safety, but these tugs were threatened with being attacked and the salvage attempted was called off. United States military reports that the Sounion has begun leaking crude oil, but no oil sheen is visible around the tanker. With over one million barrels of crude oil onboard, the Sounion has a potential of leaking nearly 4 times as much oil as released by the Exxon Valdez (257,000 barrels released in 1989). Reports state the Sounion could easily break apart as the tanker’s integrity continues to fail caused by the damage and fires.

August 29

Reports state salvage vessels and tugboat will be allowed to proceed to the Sounion.  Multiple countries had made a plea to allow salvage in order to avoid environmental disaster which prompted the policy change. No details on how quickly the salvage team can reach the tanker and if the structural integrity will allow it to be towed to a secure location. It is assumed the priority is to extinguish the fires and cool down the hull before any lightering or taking the vessel under tow.

Everwin Star II

Everwin Star II

Everwin Star II
Photo: gmanews.tv

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.

 

Rimari

Rimari

Rimari
Photo: heusden-zolder.eu

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.