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Tag: Pollution

Clavigo and Dede

Clavigo and Dede

Dede
Photo: yenisafak.com

On February 27, the 72 meter long cargo vessel Dede and the 88 meter long, 3735 dwt cargo vessel Clavigo ran aground in the Sea of Marmara off Tuzla, Turkey. The Clavigo had been at anchor when a storm with strong winds struck the area.  The Clavigo‘s anchor to drag and the cargo vessel drifted towards shore when it struck the anchored Dede breaking its mooring.  Both vessel drifted until they crashed against a breakwater near Tuzla.

The Dede, severely damaged by the allision, partially capsized on its starboard side suffering water ingress in the cargo holds. Its hull has multiple large gashes. The Clavigo sustained some hull damage with it a list on its starboard side. Both crews were safely rescued. No reports of injuries the 13 person on board.

Clavigo
Photo: yenisafak.com

Authorities state some pollution has been released by both vessels. Reports state fuel tanks have been ruptured when the cargo vessels ran aground.  The Dede may not be salvaged, but scrapped on site whereas the Clavigo will be recovered.

Stellar Banner

Stellar Banner

Stellar Banner
Photo: uol.com.br

On February 24, the 340 meter long, 300,660 dwt bulk ore carrier Stellar Banner ran aground in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Maranhão, Brasil. The 4 year old ore carrier had departed from the Vale terminal Ponta da Madeira in São Luís, Brasil loaded with iron ore bound for Qingado, China. The Stellar Banner only traveled a short distance when vessel developed a sharp list to starboard.  An inspection by the crew found the ore carrier had hull cracks and water ingress into the cargo holds.  The crew alerted authorities who dispatched multiple tugs to the scene.  As the list increased on the vessel, the master of the Stellar Banner decided to run the ore carrier aground rather than risk it sinking. The Stellar Banner was later ran aground on a sandbar some 100 kilometers offshore. The 20 crew on board were evacuated off the Stellar Banner.  No reports of injuries.

Authorities state an oil sheen was seen around the hull of the Stellar Banner.  A response vessel was dispatched to manage the released pollution.  Vessel owners, port authorities and the Navy have teams in the area trying to develop a salvage plan. No details yet reported if the Stellar Banner can be salvaged without the iron ore cargo being lightered beforehand. Some reports state there is additional hull damage near the bow suggesting that the vessel may have struck bottom or an object when it left port.

Stellar Banner
Photo: globo.com

This isn’t the first VLOC, very large ore carrier, to sustain hull failure after cargo loading. In 2011, the Vale Beijing sustained cracks in the ship’s ballast tanks.  The Stellar Unicorn and Stellar Queen also sustained hull cracks. The VLOC Stellar Daisy foundered in March 2017 with the lost of all hands possibly due to improper cargo handling.

 

Pampero

Pampero

tanker-barge Pampero
Photo: ledauphine.com

The 120 meter long self-propelled tanker-barge Pampero ran aground on the Rhône at the locks in Sablons, France. The Pampero was en route to Lavera from Port de Bouc with a cargo of 2200 tons of vinyl chloride.   As the tanker-barge proceeded out of the lock, it was pull back by suction towards the lock gate .  Unable to overcome the current, the Pampero struck the downstream lock gate ripping the lock gate away.  The Pampero struck with enough force to have its wheelhouse torn away and part of the hull buckled.  The tanker-barge floated a short distance from the lock before it ran aground.

tanker-barge Pampero
Photo: francetvinfo.fr

Authorities were alerted and dispatched some 70 persons to the scene. The Pampero had sustained three hull breaches releasing some of the toxic gas.  Reports state the amount of gas released was low, but some nearby residents were evacuated as a precaution.  Divers later arrived on scene and complete repairs and plug the leaks. Another tanker-barge was requested to offload the 2200 tons of cargo. Traffic on the Rhône remains closed above and below the lock until repairs to the lock and tanker-barge can be completed. No reports of injuries.