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Tag: Tanker

Agia Zoni II

Agia Zoni II

Agia Zoni II

On September 10, the 91 meter long, 3205 dwt tanker Agia Zoni II sank in the Saronic Gulf off the island of Salamina, Greece. The tanker had departed from Aspropyrgos distilleries with 2200 tons of fuel oil and 370 tons of marine gas.  While at anchor in calm conditions, the tanker suffered water ingress in the vessel’s engine room. The Agia Zoni II sank a short time later.  No reports of injuries. The vessel’s master and engineer on board were arrested, but later released by authorities pending trial for negligence.

Authorities sent divers to confirm the tanker holds had been sealed, but a large oil slick had been released. The slick washed ashore along the island of Salamina and the coast along southern Athens. Reports state some 20 kilometers of beaches are polluted and local authorities have banned swimming and fishing in the area. Vessels and environmental crews had been dispatched by authorities to help clean up the pollution.  Reports state the cleanup has been slow and may require up to 25 days to be completed.

Reports state the Agia Zoni II lacked the certificates of seaworthiness. The vessel had undergone some repairs before it departed, but several reports state the repairs were insufficient and improperly done. Statements such as the vessel had “gaping holes” in the engine room suggests the tanker lacked the structural integrity to be allowed to leave port. Additionally, reports state the vessel lacked a full crew. The Agia Zoni II typically would have a crew of 11 persons, but on its final voyage the tanker just had 2 crew on board. This could suggest that many crew decided not to serve on board the tanker knowing it wouldn’t stay afloat.

Greek authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

Kamome Victoria

Kamome Victoria

Kamome Victoria

On August 25, the 228 meter long tanker Kamome Victoria ran aground in Gravesend Bay near the Ambrose Channel, off Sandy Hook and Queens, New York. The tanker was proceeding with 373,000 gallons of fuel on board when it ran aground.  The Kamome Victoria notified the Coast Guard the tanker had run aground. A team was dispatched and inspected the tanker for damage. No injuries or damage was found.  No signs of any pollution released.

The Kamome Victoria was refloated and allowed to continue its voyage. The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.

Typhoon Hato

Typhoon Hato

Typhoon Hato
Photo: MRCC

On August 23, Typhoon Hato landed near Hong Kong, China. Authorities issued a typhoon 10 warning due to the storm’s sustained winds of 78 miles per hour and gusts reaching over 129 miles per hour.  Reports state that four vessels requested assistance that were in Hong Kong or the Pearl River estuary. Reports state three vessels had run ashore, one had capsized and another broke-in-two releasing pollution into the water.

From Hong Kong news reports:

During the typhoon Typhoon several cargo ships were stranded, 39 crew members were trapped on board or falling into the sea, and more than 10 were injured. Authorities received a report at about 1 pm, from a cargo vessel stranded in the southwest of Hong Kong with 14 crew on board.  The crew requested assistance with three helicopters dispatched to the scene.  Rescuers had a difficult time with the waves between ten to fourteen meters. Despite the bad conditions, rescue helicopters found the cargo vessel and rescued twelve crew off the vessel and two crew from the water who had fallen overboard. Several crew had sustained injuries.

Helicopter search during the scene found other vessels stranded.  Rescue operations were able to rescue over 25 crew.  One crewman was found unconscious and another who was suffering from hypothermia. Both were taken to hospital for treatment.  The search and rescue operation was suspended at night after eight sorties had rescued a total of 28 crew members.

Vessels reported that requested assistance:

  • The 88 meter long, 3382 dwt tanker Gem No. 8 (IMO: 9332482)
  • The 144 meter long, 19822 dwt tanker Rainbow Island 88 (IMO: 9286542)
  • The 97 meter long tanker Kai Shun You 7 (MMSI: 413444170)
  • The 141 meter long cargo vessel Xin Hau Tai (MMSI: 413701730)
  • The 63 meter long cargo vessel Yuhai1 (MMSI: 413831041) abandoned and crew abandoned ship into the water near the shore in Discovery Bay.