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Tag: Pollution

Sanwa Maru

Sanwa Maru

Sanwa Maru
Photo: nikkansports.com

On the evening of January 6, the 105 meter long, 4999 dwt tanker Sanwa Maru (IMO: 9847217 ) ran around off Cape Esan near Hakodate, Hokkaido, Japan. The Sanwa Maru was en route from Tomakomai to Akita with 3800 kilolitres of diesel and kerosene when it stranded on rocks just off the shoreline. Initial reports stated the vessel was stable with  no injuries to the 11 crew on board and no oil pollution being released.

The 2906 gt salvage tug Koyo Maru (IMO: 9966348) was dispatched the following morning on January 7 from Muroran to refloat the Sanwa Maru. Multiple attempts to pull the tanker free failed and salvage would resume on January 8. On the morning of the 8th, authorities found the Sanwa Maru had sustained hull damage with one of its fuel tanks holed. Oil booms were placed around the vessel, but some of the oil spilled has spread along the coast reaching the town of Esan. The tanker also has a 5 degree list to starboard suggesting there is water ingress into the tankers ballast tanks as well. Reports state the tanker’s holds are still intact as no diesel or kerosene has been released into the sea.

The Sanwa Maru requested that 7 of the crew be evacuated with the Hakodate Coast Guard transferring the crew safely to shore. Four crew remain on board to assist in salvage efforts. Reports state salvage plans will continue to pull the Sanwa Maru off the rocks and tow it to a nearby port. Reports state local fishermen are concern about the amount of pollution released and its impact on the local environment.

Collision on Yangtze River

Collision on Yangtze River

Yangze 22

On the night of December 30, the 290 meter long, 174713 dwt bulk carrier Vega Dream (IMO: 9532094) collided with the 229 meter long, 82399 dwt bulk carrier Yangze 22 (IMO: 9958212) collided at the mouth of the Yangtze River near Changjian, China. The Vega Dream struck the outbound Yangze 22. The Yangze 22 sustained hull damage and a fuel tank was holed releasing some 9 metric tons of fuel into the river. No reports of injuries on either vessel. Both bulk carriers were able to proceed to a nearby anchorage.

Shanghai authorities are working with the owners of the Yangze 22 on cleaning up the pollution released. The incident is under investigation.

Patrick J. Studdert

Patrick J. Studdert

Patrick J Studdert

On the evening of December 29, the 28 meter long towboat Patrick J. Studdert (MMSI: 367534690) collided with the 225 meter long, 77073 dwt bulk carrier Clara B (IMO: 9304083) on the Mississippi River near the Hale Boggs Bridge in Luling, Louisiana. The Patrick J. Studdert sustained hull damage and uncontrolled water ingress from the collision. The five crew on board the towboat were forced to abandoned ship before the vessel sank. All the crew would later be rescued and taken to hospital for evaluation. The Clara B did not report any significant damage and proceeded to anchor nearby. No reports of injuries on either vessel.

Reports state the Patrick J. Studdert sank in 90 feet of water and a sheen of diesel fuel pollution was visible over the wreck. The Coast Guard and local authorities are monitoring the wreck for any further pollution being released. The incident is under investigation.

Clara B