On August 4, a fishing boat capsized in the Arabian Sea off the Kapu Lighthouse south of Udupi, India. The fishing vessel had departed from Malpe with 7 crew when it lost stability from the strong waves. The fishing vessel overturned with the crew thrown into the sea. Fortunately, nearby fishermen were able to come to their aid and rescued all 7 crew members. No reports of inquires. The name and details of the fishing vessel was not disclosed. No further details reported.
On the morning of July 12, the 53 meter long barge Dul Dul V (MMSI: 419901162) ran aground in the Indian Ocean near Fort Kochi, India. The barge had been working at the dry docks of the Cochin Shipyard on Willingdon Island when it had run out of fuel while entering the port. The Dul Dul V went adrift until it went ashore resting a few meters off the beach. Tugboats were called out and attempted to pull the barge free, but the Dul Dul V remained stuck. Reports state a dredger will arrive on site and assist in refloating the barge. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
On the afternoon of July 6, the 148 meter long, 19477 dwt chemical tanker Fulda (IMO: 9185865) exploded if the Gulf of Kurch near the port of Kandla, Gujarat, India. The Fulda had completed a discharge of a cargo of methanol at the Oil Jetty No. 2 in the port in Kandla and proceeded to leave port bound for Port Sohar, Oman. A few hours later the Fulda would explode ripping up most of its top deck apart. Witnessed by the nearby 175.5 meter long, 31858 dwt bulk carrier Team Focus (IMO: 9424132), the Fulda sustained massive damage but was still afloat. The master of the tanker stated there was no underwater damage and none of the 384 tons of fuel had not been released into the water.
However, the Fulda may have suffered some water ingress to its ballast tanks as it developed a 22 degree list to starboard that shifted to port as the crew attempted to stabilize the vessel. The 21 crew on board the tanker were later evacuated by the 31.5 meter long tug Orchid Star (IMO: 9658850) which had been dispatched from Kandla. No details were reported if any crew had been injured from the incident.
Indian authorities dispatched multiple vessels from the Coast Guard along with multiple tugs to monitor the Fulda. The Coast Guard has sent out alerts to keep all vessel traffic away from the tanker due to the potential of fire or pollution being released. Latest reports state the Fulda was taken under tow back to Kandla.
Photo: x.com
Photo: x.com
Photo: x.com
Photo: x.com
Photo: x.com
The cause of the explosion is under investigation. Initial reports suggest the explosion was due to the improper venting of flammable vapors during the discharge. There has been no reports if the Fulda was in the practice of using inert gassing or if it allowed an air-vapor mixture to to build up in the tanks like what occurred on the Sansinena explosion in 1976. That explosion was so massive that sections of the vessel sent burning rivets into the air into the surround area and lead to changes to regulations on how venting was done on tankers.
