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.
The 108 meter long, 5404 dwt tanker Sagan ran aground in the East China Sea off Suwanose Island, Kagoshima, Japan. The tanker was headed to Japan from Taiwan when it blown ashore by strong winds and heavy seas. The hull was breached on the rocky shoreline. The Sagan’s fuel tanks were ruptured and released fuel oil into the sea. A large spill formed around the western side of the island. The pollution was being being dispersed by rough seas.
The crew alerted authorities and requested assistance. The Japan Coast Guard dispatched a helicopter to the scene and hoisted all 18 crew to safety. No reports of injuries.
The 225 meter long, 58136 dwt LPG tanker BW Maple collided with the 181 meter long, 44885 dwt tanker Dawn Kanchipuram in the Bay of Bengal near Kamaraiar, Chennai, India. The Dawn Kanchipuram was heading towards the port with a cargo of diesel fuel and lube oil when it was struck amidships by the BW Maple which had left port in ballast. The BW Maple’s bow struck just in front of the superstructure on the portside hull.
The Dawn Kanchipuram’s hull was breached and several tons of oil pollution was released into the sea. No reports of injuries. Officials stated the Dawn Kanchipuram proceeded to port and unloaded its cargo.
