Pollution - Shipwreck Log

Collision on Yangtze River

December 31, 2024 Paul Hancock

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

December 30, 2024 Paul Hancock

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.

Amnah

December 23, 2024 Paul Hancock

On the early morning hours of December 23, the 101 meter long, 5,215 dwt container ship Amnah (IMO: 9126259) capsized and sunk in the Sea of Marmara while berthed at the port of Ambarli in Istanbul, Turkey. The Amnah had ben loading containers when it lost stability and developed a heavy port list. As the cargo shifted, the vessel struck the dock and rolled over. Five of the 15 crew on board the container ship had to jump into the sea as the vessel rolled. Reports state the other 10 crew and dock workers were able to abandon the vessel. One crew member sustained minor injuries and taken to hospital for treatment.

The Amnah has sustained damage, but the full extent will not be known until the container ship can be refloated. Authorities have placed booms around the Amnah to contain any pollution released. Reports state several containers have broken free and many have filled with water and sank.

Officials have launched an investigation into the incident. They believe the vessel was improperly loaded and did not maintain proper ballasting which resulted in the lost of stability.