Pollution - Shipwreck Log

On the early morning of October 1, the 229 meter long, 79,471 bulk carrier Blue Lagoon (IMO: 9481427) ran aground off Orchid Island, Taiwan. The Blue Lagoon departed from Caofedian, China with 67,500 tons of iron ore bound for Singapore when the bulk carrier stranded in rough seas caused by Typhoon Krathon. The vessel ran up on the rocks sustaining hull damage and water ingress. The engine room quickly flooded as the pumps were unable to contain the water ingress. A distress call was sent out and authorities dispatched helicopters from the National Airborne Service Corps to the scene. The helicopters were able to lift all 19 crew off the Blue Lagoon safely to shore where they were examined by medical personnel. No reports of injuries.

Authorities state that oil had been found in the water near the Blue Lagoon. Reports suspect the vessel’s fuel tanks had ruptured allowing some of the 227 tons of fuel oil on board to spill out into the sea. The local environmental bureau has been requested to contain the oil slick and conduct clean up operations.

Adolf Jensen

September 23, 2024 Paul Hancock

On September 18, the 30 meter long, 70 dwt passenger vessel Adolf Jensen (IMO: 6708575) ran aground at the mouth of the Tasermiut Fjord near Nanortalik, Greenland. The Adolf Jensen was enroute to Qaqortoq when it struck a reef. The vessel sustained hull damage and water ingress. A distress call was sent out with the Nanortalik fire brigade responding. Using the 27 meter long landing craft, Atitooq (MMSI: 331000149), the fire brigade transfer dewatering pump and pollution containment gear. Unfortunately, the pumps could not contain the flooding and the vessel sank after five hours later. All crew on the Adolf Jensen were safely evacuated to shore with no reports of injuries.

Authorities deployed floating booms to contain the oil pollution released. Unfortunately, the tides, current and wind made it impossible to contain the oil slick. Authorities don’t have an estimate on how much pollution was released from the Adolf Jensen. The oil slick suggests a fuel tank had ruptured or valves were not sealed before the vessel sank. Reports state the Adolf Jensen had some 20,000 litres of diesel along with 1,000 litres of gasoline on board when it sank.

Authorities have dispatched additional personnel to the scene to assist in cleanup efforts. The vessel owners have not release a statement on the incident.

Super Typhoon Yagi

September 9, 2024 Paul Hancock

On September 7th, Super Typhoon Yagi, also named Tropical Storm Enteng in the Philippines, made landfall in Vietnam as a Category 5 storm. Yagi had winds over 160 miles per hour when it struck the Vietnam coast near Quang Ninh. The storm surge and large waves quickly impacted vessels anchored in the port Tuần Châu in Quảng Ninh. Many vessels had been securely moored prior to the storm landing, but many vessels were swamped by the waves. Crews did attempt to pump out the water ingress, but they were unable to save the vessels which sunk by the stern.

Reports say over 30 vessels damaged or sunk by the Typhoon. Here is a partial list of vessels impacted by Super Typhoon Yagi:

Passenger Ship Victory Star, QN-8899 capsized by strong winds and partially sunk off Ha Long.
Passenger Ship Hai Ninh, 48 QN-6108 sunk by the stern at Tuần Châu.
Passenger Ship Binh Minh, 48 QN-6048 sunk by the stern at Tuần Châu.
Passenger Ship 40 QN-3016 sunk by the stern at Tuần Châu.
Passenger Ship Do Thi Nga, 48 QN-5508 sunk by the stern at Tuần Châu.
Fishing Vessel QNg 95109TS sunk by waves in Ha Long with 5 crew on board. All five crew rescued by a food processing vessel with no injuries.
Fishing Vessel QNg 95576TS sunk by waves while anchored off Ha Long with 6 crew on board. All six crew swam ashore safely.
Fishing Vessel [Unnamed] sunk by waves in Ha Long with 2 crew on board. Both crew were rescued by a food processing vessel.