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Tag: Mediterranean Sea

MN Kostas

MN Kostas

MN Kostas
Photo: Greek Coast Guard

On the night of July 24, the 105 meter long, 5813 dwt cargo vessel MN Kostas (IMO: 9103489) ran aground in the Mediterranean Sea off the northeastern tip of Crete, Greece.  The MN Kostas departed from Sitia, Crete bound for Chekka, Lebanon, with a cargo of plaster when it ran aground on a reef some 6 nautical miles off Sitia. The cargo vessel sustained hull damage and water ingress.

 

The Greek Coast Guard was alerted and dispatched 3 patrol boats to the scene. Assisted by nearby fishing and private vessels , all 14 crew members were safely evacuated and taken to Sitia. No reports of injuries. Four tugboats were dispatched from Heraklion to start salvage operations. Divers inspected the MN Kostas hull for damage. Authorities are monitoring the area for any signs of pollution released.
Reports state the Sitia Port Authority has launched an investigation into the incident. Authorities have arrested the master and the acting bridge officer under the Greek Penal Code for causing a shipwreck. The MS Kostas had prior legal issues a few months prior. The owners of the cargo vessel were cited for only paying the crew half their wages over the last several months.
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.