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Tag: Pollution

Rama 2

Rama 2

Rama 2

On June 26, the 99 meter long, 6764 dwt tanker Rama 2 sank in bad weather in the Gulf of Aden near Socotra Island, Yemen. The Rama 2 was en route to Al Hamriya, UAE with 5500 tons of gasoline. While off Oman, weather conditions worsen with waves reaching 5 meters.  The tanker had suffered some structural failure and developed a heavy list to starboard. The crew sent out a distress call stating the Rama 2 was sinking and needed assistance.  As the list increased, the crew attempted to abandon ship.  However, the vessel’s lifeboat was unable to launch leaving the 14 crew to use the vessel’s life rafts.

The distress call was relayed to the Combined Maritime Force which launched a search and rescue plan. Multiple UK Naval ships and aircraft along with three commercial vessels tanker MTM Tortola, LNG tanker Soyo and tanker Sea Power assisted in the operation. The MTM Tortola arrived on scene and was able to rescue 10 crew from the water.  Two more crew were rescued by the Sea Power. The remaining two crew were still missing.  One was spotted by aircraft and later hoisted to safety by a UK helicopter. The remaining crewman could not be recovered and was reported to be deceased.

Reports state there was a large oil slick where the Rama 2 had sunk, but the heavy seas was dispersing the pollution.

Putri Sea

Putri Sea

The 46 meter long tanker Putri Sea sank with all hands in the Singapore Strait near Johor, Malaysia. Authorities were first alerted when the tanker’s agent could not contact the vessel. The Putri Sea had been last reported proceeding with six crew and a cargo of crude oil off  Johor.

Authorities launched a search and rescue operation. A patrol vessel from Tanjung Sedili arrived 4.6 miles off Tangjung Pengelih.  Multiple patrol vessels began a search of the area as it was near the last reported position of the tanker. The search did not find the Putri Sea. However, searchers did find a recent oil spill in the water. Authorities believe the oil spill is from the Putri Sea. The six crew of the Putri Sea are reported as missing.

Some reports speculate the tanker had suffered an explosion and fire before sinking. However, there is no official confirmation of the cause to the loss of the Putri Sea. No details reported if authorities will conduct further investigation into the incident.

Ibis Update

Ibis Update

Ibis

On June 7, reports state the dredge Ibis has released pollution into the waters off Ullal,  India.  The dredge has been slowly sinking by the stern when a fuel tank was punctured by a large rock.  There is a strong odor of diesel fuel in the air. Locals report other debris has  also begun washing onto the beach.

Ibis

Authorities had stated a team of experts were supposed to be at the wreck site by June 4, but did not arrive until the next day.

Ibis

Another report states that authorities had been instructed to remove fuel and oil off the Ibis, but could not be attempted due to weather and rough seas. Thus, no fuel or oil has been removed from the dredge.