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Tag: Gulf of Guinea

Joy George

Joy George

Joy George
Photo: myjoyonline.com

On August 19, the fishing vessel Joy George, CR-338-EL partially sank in the Gulf of Guinea just outside Elmina Castle, Ghana. The Joy George had departed from Elmina at low tide and as it departed out of the harbour it struck some submerged rocks.  The vessel’s hull was gashed and quickly flooded within minutes. Fortunately, a rescue boat was nearby and quickly came to the aid of the Joy George.  All 23 crew on board the fishing vessel were safely rescued and taken ashore.  No reports of injuries.

The Joy George was later recovered and towed to the safety of the breakwater off Elmina Castle.  Reports state the Joy George had just recently been built and is the second largest vessel operating out of Elmina. Local fishermen in the area stated the rocks are a known navigation hazard. The boulders were part of the breakwater construction and present an obstacle for vessels entering and leaving the harbour. Locals also stated the sandbars have formed near the harbour entrance making navigation difficult.

 

Chang Min

Chang Min

Chang Min
Photo: nigeriaworld.com

On the evening of June 20, the 190 meter long, 56097 dwt bulk carrier Chang Min (IMO: 9622801) caught fire while berthed in Apapa Port, Lagos, Nigeria. The Chang Min was unloading a variety of cargo from its cargo hold #2 when a fire broke out.

Multiple fire and emergency responders arrived on scene and found flames coming out of the cargo hold. While the fire brigades fought the blaze from the shore, several fire tugboats assisted in containing the fire. Fire fighters were able to seal the hold before they entered the hold and extinguished the blaze. No reports of injuries or pollution released. The extent of damage from the incident was not disclosed.

Reports state the Chang Min had various cargo such as compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks, tires, construction machinery and other various products that were combustible. An initial investigation has not determined the source of ignition of the fire.