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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.

Ursa Major

Ursa Major

Ursa Major
Photo: x.com

On December 23, the 142 meter long, 9400 dwt cargo vessel Ursa Major (IMO: 9538892) sank in the Mediterranean Sea some 58 miles off the coast of Almeira, Spain. The Ursa Major had departed from St. Petersburg, Russia on December 11 and reported to be bound for Vladivostok with empty containers in the hold, cargo hatches for icebreakers and two cranes on deck.  While sailing between Spain and Algeria, the vessel suffered an explosion in the engine room. The crew had been trying to fix the fuel line to the main engine when vapors ignited. The explosion damaged the main engine resulting in a power blackout and hull damage.  The vessel’s hull had partially blown out resulting in uncontrolled water ingress.  Unable to contain the flooding, the vessel developed a starboard list.

Fourteen of the 16 crew on board abandoned the Ursa Major in the vessel’s lifeboat. Spanish authorities were alerted and the Salvamento Maritimó sent out two vessels and a helicopter to assist. All 14 crew would be rescued and safely transported to the port of Cartagena, Spain.  A Russian warship arrived on scene a short time later and took charge of search and rescue operations. No further details on the 2 missing crew.

The Ursa Major would later sink the following morning on December 24.  Authorities have alerted of the possible damage from drifting wreckage around where the vessel sank. News reports outside of Russia state the Ursa Major was most likely headed for Syria or Libya and not Vladivostok.