On March 14, the 91 meter long tanker Sun Wing caught fire in the Sea of Japan off Busan, South Korea. The crew of the tanker, loaded with nitric and sulfuric acid, reported the vessel was on fire and suffered a hull breach. The 16 crew abandoned ship into the vessel’s life rafts as it engulfed in flames. The Korean Coast Guard dispatched helicopters and ships to the scene. All 16 crew were rescued. Three were injured by burns and were taken to hospital. No further details reported.
The 182 meter long, 44999 dwt Carla Maersk collided with the 190 meter long, 57001 dwt bulk carrier Conti Peridot in the Houston Ship Channel near Morgan’s Point, Texas. The Carla Maersk was carrying 25,600 mt of methyl tert-butyl ether from Venezuela when it struck by the Conti Peridot carrying a cargo of steel from China. The Carla Maersk sustained damage to three cargo tanks along its port side. Reports state an unknown quantity of MTBE pollution was released from the tanker. The Coast Guard responded and shut the channel between light 86 to Morgan’s Point. No reports of injuries. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. Reports state conditions in the area was foggy and light rain.
The 272 meter long container ship Monte Alegre collided with the 135 meter long chemical tanker Chembulk Houston in the Houston Ship Channel near San Leon, Texas. The two vessels sustained slight damage and were able to proceed to nearby berths. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
