On March 16, the 274 meter long, 164608 dwt tanker Dashan (IMO: 9299666) became disabled on the Dardanelles near Eceabat, Turkey. The tanker en route from Novorossyisk to Port Said with 140,000 tons of crude oil when it suffered engine failure. Unable to restart its engines, the Dashan requested assistance. Authorities dispatched tugs which took the Dashan under tow and proceeded to Bozcaada for repairs. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
On the morning of March 13, the 48 meter long tanker Ronggolawe 09 (MMSI: 525501884) caught fire in the Java Sea near Lamongan, Indonesia. The Ronggolawe 09 was headed to Lamongan from Gresik when it attempted to transfer 25 tons of diesel fuel to the tug TB Rosalin 08. During the transfer, there was an explosion resulting in a fire on the deck of the tanker. All the crew on board the Ronggolawe 09 abandoned ship into the sea. The fire also engulfed the TB Rosalin 08, but the fire on the tug would later be extinguished by authorities. Fire fighters arrived on scene several hours later and were later able to extinguish the blaze on the Ronggolawe 09.
Reports state that 4 crew of the 11 of the Ronggolawe 09 were still missing. Authorities have not stated the number of crew who were injured from both vessels. The Ronggolawe 09 sustained significant damage, but was reported to be still afloat.
On the morning of March 10, the 140 meter long, 9322 dwt container ship Solong (IMO: 9322554) allided with the 183 meter long, 49729 dwt tanker Stena Immaculate (IMO: 9693018) in the North Sea some 10 nautical miles off the Humber estuary near Hull, Lincolnshire, England. The Solong was en route to Rotterdam from Grangemouth, Scotland when it struck the port hull amidships of the Stena Immaculate which was at anchor. Both vessels sustained major damage with the tanker having its tanks ruptured and releasing jet fuel into the sea. After the allision, reports state there were several explosions and fire engulfed the tanker. Observers stated that fuel spilt into the sea has caught fire as well. The crews from both vessels have evacuated and there were conflicting reports of casualties and crew men injured. Latest report states all crew were rescued from both vessels with one crew member injured (subject to be updated later).
UK Authorities dispatched multiple fire fighting vessels aided by the RNLI who launched four lifeboats to the scene. The HM Coastguard
The Stena Immaculate was loaded with jet fuel bound for one of the United States Army military bases located in the United Kingdom. UK Authorities have not released the cause of the allision at this time. Some news accounts suggest the Solong was on autopilot at the time and the vessel never changed course before it struck the tanker. There is speculation that the container ship failed to maintain a proper watch as weather was not a factor in the allision. UK authorities continue to investigate as the situation is ongoing.
