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Tag: Mediterranean Sea

Vilamoura

Vilamoura

Vilamoura

On June 27, the 274 meter long, 158622 dwt suezmax tanker Vilamoura (IMO: 9529293) suffered an explosion in the Mediterranean Sea some 90 nautical miles off Zueitina, Libya. The Vilamoura departed from Zueitina loaded with 1 million barrels of crude oil bound for Gibraltar when it suffered an engine room explosion. The explosion caused a hull breach resulting in water ingress.  The crew were unable to stop the ingress resulting in the engine room being completely flooded leaving the vessel adrift.  Fortunately, there were no injuries and no pollution released.

Reports states the Vilamoura was to be taken under tow and taken to a shipyard in Greece. The cause of the explosion was not disclosed, but some sources speculated the explosion could have been caused by a mine planted by saboteurs. Several prior vessels that had made voyages to Russia have exploded in the recent past. Some security firms believe it was caused by Ukrainian backed forces.

Aircraft Carrier Collision

Aircraft Carrier Collision

Harry S. Truman

Around noon on February 12, the 340 meter long United States Aircraft Carrier Harry S. Truman collided with the 189 meter long, 53020 dwt bulk carrier Besiktas M (IMO: 9291365) in the Mediterranean Sea near Port Said, Egypt. The aircraft carrier was awaiting to enter the Suez  Canal when it collided with the bulk carrier. Reports state both vessels sustained some damage above the waterline. No reports of injuries, water ingress and no pollution was released.

Both vessels were able proceed under their own power. Reports state the Bestiktas M was on a voyage from Aqaba to Constanta, but has dropped anchor off Port Said after the incident. There was no statement released if the Harry S. Truman will proceed on its voyage to the Red Sea or will return to a port for repairs. The incident is under investigation.

Ocean Valiant

Ocean Valiant

Ocean Valiant
Photo: lessentiel.lu

On the night of January 11, the 119 meter long drilling rig/oil platform Ocean Valiant (IMO:  8753330) ran aground in the Mediterranean Sea at Dherwa beach 20 kilometers west of Bizerte, Tunisia. The Ocean Valiant was being towed by a offshore supply vessel Maersk Tracer (IMO: 9388613) from Scotland bound for Turkey when rough weather caused the towline to break. Unable to reattach the towline, the Ocean Valiant drifted until it went ashore.

Authorities state the grounding of the oil platform did not cause any damage, pollution or injuries.

Reports state that bad weather has delayed pulling the Ocean Valiant off the beach. Built in 1988, the oil platform is owned by Diamond Offshore and was en route to Turkey to be scrapped.