Mediterranean Sea - Shipwreck Log

MURAT HACIBEKIROGLU 2

September 21, 2016 Paul Hancock

On September 19, the 63 meter long, 2061 dwt cargo vessel Murat Hacibekiroglu 2 sank in the Mediterranean Sea between Cyprus and Alanya, Turkey. The Murat Hacibekiroglu 2 was en route to Asian Cemento from Iskenderun when it sprung a leak in the engine room. The water ingress could not be controlled and the vessel developed a list. The cargo vessel sent out a distress call and the 10 crew abandoned ship into the vessel’s life raft. Authorities requested nearby vessels to assist with the container ship Electra A responding. The Electra A arrived on scene and rescued all 10 crew. No reports of injuries. The Murat Hacibekiroglu 2 continue to flood until it rolled over and sank.

Reports state the vessel had been detained in 2008 for safety violations and suffered a severe list in 2014.

Nabolsi 1

August 1, 2015 Paul Hancock

The 76 meter long, 1405 dwt livestock carrier Nabolsi 1 caught fire in the Mediterranean Sea off Lerapetra, Crete. The Nabolsi 1 was en route to Alexandria from Beirut when a fire broke out. Reports state a Greek Coast Guard vessel with two NATO vessels arrived on scene and help extinguish the blaze. No reports of injuries or pollution release. Extent of damage on board the livestock carrier had not been reported.

Sorrento

May 2, 2015 Paul Hancock

On April 28, the 186 meter long, 7150 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry Sorrento caught fire in the Mediterranean Sea off Dragonera Island, Spain. The Sorrento had departed from Palma with 156 passengers and crew en route to Valencia when a blaze broke out on the car deck. The fire spewed out plumes of thick black smoke. The crew tried to fight the blaze, but the intensity of the fire and smoke forced an evacuation into the ferry’s lifeboats. Authorities were alerted and diverted four vessels and helicopters to the scene. Three crew members suffered smoke inhalation and were rescued by helicopter and taken for treatment. Reports state there were over 100 vehicles on board that were destroyed. Authorities were able to tow the burnt out ferry into Valencia. No reports of pollution released.