On April 10, the 124 meter long, 7623 dwt tanker Aziz Torlak ran aground off Dakhla, Western Sahara. The Aziz Torlak was headed for Dakhla from Cartagena fully laden when it struck bottom at the entrance to the port. Authorities were alerted and found the tanker aground, but no hull damage or pollution released. Reports state tugs will attempt to refloat the tanker on the rising tide.
During the early morning hours of April 3, the 107 meter long, 6852 dwt tanker Sun Flora collided with the wooden 83 gt fishing vessel Sri-nopparat 11 in the Gulf of Thailand off Sattahip, Thailand. The trawler quickly broke apart sending its 8 crew overboard into the water. A passing trawler saw the incident and was able to rescue all 8 crewmen. The Sun Flora did not stop and continued on to Bangkok. No reports of injuries or damage to the Sun Flora. Local authorities were alerted and have launched an investigation into the incident.
On March 29, the 164 meter long, 16038 dwt tanker Varzuga became disabled in the Gulf of Ob in the Barents Sea off Russia. The Varzuga had suffered a breakdown with its steering while in ice. The tanker requested assistance with the icebreakers 160 meter long 50 Let Pobedy and 150 meter long Vaygach responding. Both ice breakers were able to clear a path and the Vaygach took the Varzuga under tow until the tanker was clear of the ice. The tug Umka took over the tow and the vessels proceeded to Murmansk. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
