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CMA CGM Lilac

CMA CGM Lilac

CMA CGM Lilac
Photo: RNLI

The 220 meter long, 39295 dwt container ship Lilac suffered a fire while moored off-shore of Table Bay, South Africa.  The crew alerted the South African authorities that a fire had broken out in one their holds.   The master of the vessel stated they were fighting to contain the fire, but he had not declared an emergency.   The NSRI dispatched boats from Table Bay, Bakoven and Hout Bay to the scene to standby in case the 21 crewmen of the Lilac need to abandon ship.   A short time later the Lilac entered the port at Table Bay and berthed at the container terminal where it was met by the local fire brigade and  rescue services.   No reports of injuries or pollution released.

CMA CGM Lilac

 

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Smart Aground

Smart Aground

SMART

The 273 meter long, 151279 dwt bulk freighter Smart went aground  on a sandbar off Richards Bay, South Africa.  The bulk freighter had finished loading its 147,650 tons of coal at the terminal at Richards Bay when left the harbour.   The Smart only travelled a short distance when its engines failed.   The heavy swells pushed the bulk freighter onto the shallows.  The Smart suffered a massive crack and eventually broke-in-two by the following day.   All 23 crew were rescued by NSRI helicopter crews.  No reports of injuries.

Authorities state they are fearing the worse case scenario as the vessel had  1,500 tons of heavy fuel oil and a large quantity of diesel fuel.  Some pollution has already been spotted and clean up operations have begun.

Reports state the vessel did not have a pilot on board when it left the harbour.  The vessel’s owners, Esmeralda Schiffahrts, has stated that clean up operations will be covered by the company and its insurers.

Donations to assist the National Sea Rescue Institute can be made at: http://www.nsri.org.za/ways-to-support-us/give-a-donation

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Kiani Satu

Kiani Satu

KIANI_SATU 1

The 157 meter long, 19796 dwt freighter Kiani Satu went aground off Knysna, South Africa.   The Kiani Satu had been suffering engine problems and attempted to drop anchor.   However, heavy seas cause the anchor to drag and the freighter was swept ashore.  The master requested assistance and all 19 crew were airlifted off the vessel by the NSRI.  No reports of injuries.  The freighter began leak heavy fuel into the water from a breached tank.   Reports state some 3 tons  oil had been released and an oil was visible on the beach.   Authorities are attempting to contain the pollution while salvors pump oil from the leaking tank into another tank higher up within the vessel.  Weather conditions prevent any underwater repairs to be done at the time.  The Kiani Satu had 15,000 tons of rice from Vietnam bound for Gabon.

More photos of the wreck can be seen here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/searescue

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