On July 6, the 180 meter long, 30062 dwt LPG tanker Eco Wizard (IMO: 9941568) exploded in the Gulf of Finland while berthed at the port of Ust-Luga, Russia. The Eco Wizard had arrived from Antwerp, Belgium and had begun unloading and loading operations. Authorities state an explosion occurred during these operations resulting in a leak of liquid ammonia. All 23 crew were evacuated from the tanker while emergency personnel attempted to contain the leak. Authorities did not disclose the extent of damage to the Eco Wizard, but divers are set to inspect the hull for damage. The Eco Wizard is suspected to belong to Russia’s “shadow fleet” and there is some speculation the explosion was an act of sabotage.
On June 11, the 62 meter long, 1065 dwt cargo vessel Hein (IMO: 6702284) ran aground in the Gulf of Paria off the Chaguaramas Peninsula on Monas Island, Trinidad and Tobago. The Hein was headed to St Vincent and Grenadines with a cargo of bricks when it suffered a cargo shift and developed a heavy list to port. The vessel changed course and was intentionally driven aground before it capsized. No reports of injuries.
Authorities report the Hein partially sank along the portside stern. Oil pollution was spotted around the cargo vessel caused by the bilge. Island authorities have stated efforts are being made to stabilize and refloat the cargo vessel. A local advocacy group has asked urgent action taken to avoid damage to the marine life.
On the morning of June 9, the 269 meter long, 51300 dwt container ship Wan Hai 503 (IMO: 9294862) caught fire in the Arabian Sea some 40 km west of the Beypore-Azhikkal coast of India. The Wan Hai 503 was proceeding to Nhava Dheva from Colombo with 650 containers when one or more containers exploded amidships. The explosion resulted in many containers destroyed with 20 upwards to 50 containers that fell overboard into the sea. The explosion resulted in a fire which quickly spread to other containers and throughout the vessel.
The fire could not be contained and 18 of the 22 crew members on the Wan Hai 503 abandoned ship. Ten crew members escaped using the no. 2 lifeboat while 8 others used one of the vessel’s life rafts. Four crew members were reported missing and may have perished from the explosion.
The Indian Coast Guard and Navy conducted a search and rescue operation and safely recovered the 18 crew members. Three crew members were injured along with two others who had suffered severe burns from the fire. The Coast Guard also issued an advisory in the area for the risk of drifting containers off the coast. Aircraft were deployed to monitor the Wan Hai 503 for potential pollution released with the risk of more containers falling into the sea along with oil pollution if the container ship would sink.
Indian authorities has asked the vessel owners, Wan Hai Lines, to appoint a salvage company with fire fighting capabilities to recover the Wan Hai 503. However, the fire has consumed much of the forward container holds, the Wan Hai 503 may sink before any salvage attempt can be made. The container ship was last reported to have developed a list to port caused by water ingress. The container ship was reported to be drifting south to southeast and there is concern any oil pollution released would impact the areas of Kozhikode and Kochi.
