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Tag: Tanker

English Channel Collision

English Channel Collision

Seafrontier
Photo: RNLI

The 183 meter long, 48580 dwt tanker Seafrontier collided with the 225 meter long, 75492 dwt bulk carrier Huayang Endeavour in the English Channel near Dover, England. The Huayang Endeavour struck the loaded Seafrontier near the stern. The tanker sustained a hull breach above the waterline and damage to multiple levels to its superstructure. The Huayang Endeavour also sustained damage to it’s bow section.  No reports of injuries on either vessel and no reports of pollution released.

The tug Abeille Languedoc was dispatched from Boulogne and took the Seafrontier under tow. The Huayang Endeavour dropped anchor in the channel between the shipping lanes for a period, but later proceeded on to Dunkerque. The Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) in Dover dispatched two patrol boats and two helicopters to conduct an assessment. An investigation of the incident has been launched.

Freyja

Freyja

Freyja
Photo: nrk.no

On June 28, the 77 meter long, 2091  dwt tanker Freyja ran aground at Svartskjæret off Florø, Norway. The Freyja was proceeding in ballast when it ran aground near where the vessel Ingvild had run aground the day before. Tugs were dispatched and pulled the Freyja free the following day.  No reports of injuries to the 11 crew, damage or pollution released. The Freyja proceeded to Florø for inspection.

Rama 2

Rama 2

Rama 2

On June 26, the 99 meter long, 6764 dwt tanker Rama 2 sank in bad weather in the Gulf of Aden near Socotra Island, Yemen. The Rama 2 was en route to Al Hamriya, UAE with 5500 tons of gasoline. While off Oman, weather conditions worsen with waves reaching 5 meters.  The tanker had suffered some structural failure and developed a heavy list to starboard. The crew sent out a distress call stating the Rama 2 was sinking and needed assistance.  As the list increased, the crew attempted to abandon ship.  However, the vessel’s lifeboat was unable to launch leaving the 14 crew to use the vessel’s life rafts.

The distress call was relayed to the Combined Maritime Force which launched a search and rescue plan. Multiple UK Naval ships and aircraft along with three commercial vessels tanker MTM Tortola, LNG tanker Soyo and tanker Sea Power assisted in the operation. The MTM Tortola arrived on scene and was able to rescue 10 crew from the water.  Two more crew were rescued by the Sea Power. The remaining two crew were still missing.  One was spotted by aircraft and later hoisted to safety by a UK helicopter. The remaining crewman could not be recovered and was reported to be deceased.

Reports state there was a large oil slick where the Rama 2 had sunk, but the heavy seas was dispersing the pollution.