On June 29, the 90 meter long, 3602 dwt tanker Yi Cheng 6 (IMO: 1067471) caught fire in the Gulf of Oman off India. The Yi Cheng 6 was headed to Shinas, Oman from Kandla, India when a fire broke out in the vessel’s engine room. The fire quickly grew out of control resulting the main engine being damaged and a power blackout. Unable to contain the blaze, the tanker sent out a distress call.
Photo: Indian Navy
Photo: Indian Navy
Photo: Indian Navy
Photo: Indian Navy
The Indian Navy responded with the frigate INS Tabar (MMSI: 419032700) arriving on site. The Navy deployed a response team which safely transferred the 9 crew off the Yi Cheng 6 while a firefighting team. Reports stated 5 crew and 13 navy personnel were able to contain the fire. No reports of injuries and no pollution was released. No details released if the tanker will require a tow or if the crew will be able to make repairs and restore power.
On the early morning of May 24, the 184 meter long, 22994 dwt container ship MSC Elsa 3 (IMO: 9123221) capsized and sank in the in the Arabian Sea some 38 nautical miles southwest of Kochi, India. The MSC Elsa 3 departed just a day before from Vizhinjam bound for Kochi with 640 containers when it suffered water ingress along its starboard hull. The flooding could not be controlled and one or more holds became flooded. The container ship developed a sharp list to starboard.
The 24 crew on board the MSC Elsa 3 had set out a distress call before abandoning into 2 life rafts. Indian authorities dispatched vessels and aircraft in a search and rescue for the survivors. The Indian Coast Guard rescued 21 of the crew while 3 crew members remained on board in hopes to salvage the container ship. Before any salvage plans could be executed, weather conditions worsen and the Indian Navy removed the final 3 crew members off the MSC Elsa 3. The Container ship would finally roll over onto its starboard hull and sink. No reports of injuries.
Photo: IndianExpress.com
Photo: Indian Coast Guard
Photo: Indian Navy
Photo: Indian Navy
Photo: thehindu.com
Photo: IndianExpress.com
Photo: x.com
Photo: x.com
Photo: x.com
Photo: Indian Coast Guard
Photo: Indian Coast Guard
Photo: Indian Coast Guard
Authorities state there is concern of both oil and hazardous cargo pollution being released from the incident. A large oil slick was visible over the area where the container ship sank and multiple containers were adrift in the water. The MSC Elsa 3 had 25 containers of hazardous cargo along with 367 metric tons of fuel oil and 84 tons of diesel fuel. Indian Authorities have deployed teams to monitor the area for pollution. Alerts to the public warned of oil pollution may washup along the shoreline and should keep distance from any containers that reach shore. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
The MSC Elsa 3 had a prior incident in 2016. The container ship had struck a bulk carrier in an anchorage off Yemen and sustained some damage to its forecastle.
On December 18, the passenger ferry Neel Kamal collided with an Indian Navy speedboat in the Indian Ocean off Mumbai, India. The Neel Kamal was taking some 111 passengers on a sightseeing trip to the Elephanta Caves, an island home to an UNESCO World Heritage site when it was rammed by the speedboat. The passenger ferry’s hull was holed and the vessel suffered uncontrolled water ingress. The vessel would roll over onto its side as it sank.
Authorities were able to launch a search and rescue operation immediately after the collision. Multiple helicopters along with 15 naval, police and coast guard vessels assisted in rescuing survivors from the incident. Authorities were aided by several private boats along with the harbor pilot boat Poorva which was able to rescue 25 from the sea.
Authorities report that 111 people were rescued with 4 sustaining critical injuries. Officials stated that 2 passengers were still reported as missing and 13 people perished from the incident.
A passenger captured the incident on video showing the speedboat making high speed zigzags before it struck the Neel Kamal. The Indian Navy has stated the speedboat had suffered engine failure and lost control. Authorities have stated the Neel Kamal was overloaded with passengers than it was rated for just 84 passengers and 6 crew. The incident is under investigation.
