On April 26, the 101 meter long, 7226 dwt tanker Black Pearl became disabled in the Coral Sea near Gladstone, Australia. The Black Pearl was en route to Gladstone from Kaohsiung when it suffered engine failure. A tug was dispatched and took the tanker under tow before it drifted ashore. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
The 106 meter long, 4987 dwt tanker Oraholm became in the Kiel Canal disabled near the Holtenau Locks, Germany. The tanker was entering the locks when it suffered engine failure. Two tugs were dispatched and towed the tanker out of the lock to a nearby quay. The crew were able to make repairs the following day and the Oraholm proceeded on its voyage. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
The 109 meter long, 2858 dwt oil tanker Palflot 2 caught fire in the Caspian Sea near Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan. The Palflot 2 was en route to Turkmenbashi in ballast when the fire broke out on deck. The blaze quickly engulfed the vessel’s superstructure killing one crewman. The remaining 10 persons on board were later rescued by a nearby cargo vessel. Reports stated the vessel was adrift and Russian aircraft were to be dispatched to extinguish the fire.