The 162 meter long, 21871 dwt tanker Rhonestern allided on the Kiel Canal with the lock gate at Brunsbüttel, Germany. The tanker was headed to Rostock when it struck the gate sustaining bow hull damage. The lock gate sustained damage to be estimated around 100,000 Euros. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
The Rhonestern remained detained at Brunsbüttel before it was allowed to proceed on its voyage to Rostock where it will unload its cargo before undergoing repairs.
The 117 meter long, 6678 dwt tanker Xing Long Zhou 569 caught fire after suffering an explosion off Shandong, China. The crew of the Xing Long Zhou 569 requested assistance as the explosion had disabled the vessel and fire quickly engulfed the vessel.
Multiple rescue vessels along with a helicopter were dispatched to the scene. The helicopter rescued 13 of the 16 crew on board. Three crew were listed as missing and presumed perished in the explosion.
Salvage vessels arrived later and were able to bring the blaze under control. The Xing Long Zhou 569 was taken under tow to Shidao. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
On March 7, the 30 meter long tanker Izmail 2 caught fire in the Sea of Marmara off Hereke, Turkey. The three crew on board sent out a distress call and requested assistance. The Turkish authorities dispatched the patrol boat Kiyem 2 along with a tugboat to the scene. The Kiyem 2 was able to contain the fire assisted by the tugboat a few hours later. The vessels safely evacuated all three crewmen off the Izmail 2. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
