The 291 meter long, 82500 dwt LNG tanker Explorer caught fire in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Gujarat, India. The tanker was en route to Dahej when a fire broke out in the engine room. The crew responded and was able to extinguish the blaze, but the fire damage was significant. The LNG tanker was disabled and went adrift. The Explorer requested assistance with multiple tugs responding. The tugs took the Explorer under tow. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
The 75 meter long,1884 gt fishing vessel Tiantai was reported lost in the southern Indian Ocean near the location 60 00.96S 102 18.12E. The vessel was most likely fishing for the Patagonian toothfish off Antarctica when it encountered severe weather with seven meter waves and 70 kph winds. The vessel’s emergency beacon alerted authorities who dispatched aircraft to find the fishing vessel. However the search was called off after spotting only debris in the area. Any crew who made it to a life raft could not survive in the freezing conditions. Reports state the official registration for the Tiantai was in doubt and the vessel may have been involved in illegal fishing.
The fishing vessel Arokiya Matha became disabled in heavy seas off Mangalore, India. The vessel had suffered engine failure and one crewman required medical assistance. The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Mumbai relayed the message to the 37000 dwt tanker Atria. The Atria was en route to Singapore, but changed course and proceeded to the Arokiya Matha. The crew of the Atria were able to pass a towing line along with medicine to the fishing vessel. The vessels proceeded towards Mangalore. Off Mangalore, the Atria dropped the towing line after contacting the Indian Coast Guard. The Indian Coast Guard Ship Abheek had been dispatched and reached the fishing vessel a short time later. The Coast Guard provided first aid and help to repair the engine. Local authorities arrived and took the Arokiya Matha under tow into the the port at Bunder. No reports of injuries.
