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Tag: Tanker

Yu Shun 88

Yu Shun 88

Yu Shun 88

On June 18, the 98 meter long tanker Yu Shun 88 loaded with a cargo of bitumen caught fire off Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.  Reports state the blaze started in the tanker’s engine room and threaten to spread through the vessel. The crew was able to enable the fire suppression system and contain the fire. The Yu Shun 88 sent out a distress call with authorities arriving a short time later. All 14 crew on board the Yu Shun 88 were evacuated safely.

The following day, rescuers found the fire had sufficiently cooled down and the tanker was in no risk.  The Yu Shun 88 was taken under tow to a nearby anchorage in Wenzhou Bay. No reports of injuries or pollution released. Reports state there was significant damage to the engine room including the main engine.

Aleksandr Shemagin

Aleksandr Shemagin

On May 20, the 140 meter long, 6613 dwt tanker Aleksandr Shemagin allided on the Volga River near Balakovo, Russia. The Aleksandr Shemagin was en route to Syzran from Rostov-on-Don when it struck an embankment along the river. Reports state the tanker and embankment sustained slight damage. No reports of injuries or pollution released.

Jag Leela

Jag Leela

Jag Leela
Photo: bisnis.com

The 284 meter long, 105525 dwt tanker Jag Leela caught fire in the Malacca Strait while berthed in the PT Waruna Nusa Sentana shipyard at Belawan, Indonesia. The fire started after an explosion in the aft section of the Jag Leela. The fire quickly spread to nearby vessels and the tanker was enveloped by dense black smoke caused by crude oil burning in the cargo tanks. Reports state there were several additional explosions as the blaze consumed the aft section and superstructure.

Authorities dispatched multiple fire brigades and fire boats to the scene. Water cannons were deployed and cranes we placed to spray water onto the Jag Leela.  Fire fighters were able to finally extinguish the blaze after 7 hours.

Search and rescue teams searched the Jag Leela for survivors of the fire and explosion. Rescuers found 31 survivors on board the tanker with 22 of them requiring medical treatment for burns and other injuries. The operation also discovered seven crew who perished by the fire or explosion. Reports state the crew were found trapped below deck and were unable to escape the blaze.

Authorities have started an investigation into the incident. Reports state authorities had some difficulty reaching portions of the tanker due to the high heat inside some of the interior cabins. The Jag Leela was severely gutted by the fire and no word if the vessel will be salvaged or scrapped.