The 128 meter long, 5806 dwt cargo vessel Lintas Belawan caught fire off Masalembu, Indonesia. The fire started after a short circuit in one of the vessel’s generators in the engine room. The blaze quickly got out of control and spread through the entire superstructure. All 19 crew on board were able to escape to a rescue boat without injuries. Reports stated an Indonesian Coast Guard tug fought the fire, but no details to the extent of damage to the vessel.
The 190 meter long, 56853 dwt bulk carrier Ocean Carrier ran aground in the Sinapore Strait near Pulau Pemping, Indonesia. The Ocean Carrier was en route to Yangjiang with iron ore when it veered out of the fairway and went aground to avoid colliding with another vessel. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
On December 16, the 145 meter long, 10385 dwt cargo vessel Thorco Cloud sank after colliding with the 183 meter long, 37438 dwt tanker Stolt Commitment in the Singapore Strait near Batam Island. The Thorco Cloud was headed to Brazil with Steel when it was struck by the Stolt Commitment. Of the 12 crew on board the Thorco Cloud, six were later rescued. The remaining crew was reported as missing. The cause of the collision is under investigation.
