On November 11, the 141 meter long, 7023 dwt tanker Saturn I (IMO: 9655470) became disabled on the Sea of Marmara off Ahırkapı, Turkey. The Saturn I was proceeding in ballast bound for Russia when it suffered engine failure and went adrift. Authorities dispatched the tugboat Kurtarma 11 to assist the tanker. The tugboat took the Saturn I under tow to an anchorage off Küçükçekmece where the vessel will undergo repairs. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
On the early morning hours of November 1, the 179 meter long, 30,765 dwt bulk carrier Louisa Bolten (IMO: 9407049) collided with the 156.5 meter long, 26,071 dwt tanker Southern Puma (IMO: 9792008) in the Strait of Gibraltar off Algeciras, Spain. The Southern Puma was headed for Bilbao from Antwerp with a cargo of paraffin when the Louisa Bolten, en route from Avonmouth to Aliaga, struck the forward starboard section of the Southern Puma. While the bulk carrier sustained bow damage, the tanker suffered more damage on its starboard hull with at least one of the tanker’s hold breached. After the collision, authorities dispatched multiple vessels along with aircraft to the scene. Authorities found the Southern Puma had released pollution into the sea. An investigation found that 600 tons of liquid paraffin had been spilled.
The Southern Puma was escorted by four tugs to the port of Algeciras where it will transfer the cargo to another vessel before it can go into drydock. A boom was placed around the vessel to contain any further pollution released. Reports state some of the liquid paraffin released has solidified and washed ashore.
Initial reports state the Southern Puma had disabled its AIS prior to the collision. The Louisa Bolten was inspected and allowed to proceed on its voyage for Aliaga, Turkey. The incident remains under investigation.
On the night of October 30, the 112 meter long, 7538 dwt tanker Global Lake (IMO: 9427469) became disabled on the Çanakkale Strait off Akbaş, Turkey. The Global Lake was headed to Aliağa from Samsun in ballast when it suffered main engine failure. Unable to restart the engine, the tanker requested assistance. Authorities dispatched a tug which took the Global Lake under tow and proceeded to an anchorage. Reports state the vessel was able to make repairs with help of authorities. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
