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Tag: Tugboat

Fulda

Fulda

Fulda
Photo: x.com

On the afternoon of July 6, the 148 meter long, 19477 dwt chemical tanker Fulda (IMO: 9185865) exploded if the Gulf of Kurch near the port of Kandla, Gujarat, India. The Fulda had completed a discharge of a cargo of methanol at the Oil Jetty No. 2 in the port in Kandla and proceeded to leave port bound for Port Sohar, Oman.  A few hours later  the Fulda would explode ripping up most of its top deck apart. Witnessed by the nearby 175.5 meter long, 31858 dwt bulk carrier Team Focus (IMO: 9424132), the Fulda sustained massive damage but was still afloat. The master of the tanker stated there was no underwater damage and none of the 384 tons of fuel had not been released into the water.

However, the Fulda may have suffered some water ingress to its ballast tanks as it developed a 22 degree list to starboard that shifted to port as the crew attempted to stabilize the vessel. The 21 crew on board the tanker were later evacuated by the 31.5 meter long tug Orchid Star (IMO: 9658850) which had been dispatched from Kandla.  No details were reported if any crew had been injured from the incident.

Indian authorities dispatched multiple vessels from the Coast Guard along with multiple tugs to monitor the Fulda. The Coast Guard has sent out alerts to keep all vessel traffic away from the tanker due to the potential of fire or pollution being released. Latest reports state the Fulda was taken under tow back to Kandla.

The cause of the explosion is under investigation. Initial reports suggest the explosion was due to the improper venting of flammable vapors during the discharge. There has been no reports if the Fulda was in the practice of using inert gassing or if it allowed an air-vapor mixture to to build up in the tanks like what occurred on the Sansinena explosion in 1976. That explosion was so massive that sections of the vessel sent burning rivets into the air into the surround area and lead to changes to regulations on how venting was done on tankers.

Cala Gullo

Cala Gullo

Cala Gullo
Photo: infopuertos.com

On the morning of June 30, the 31.5 meter long, 387 dwt tugboat Cala Gullo (IMO: 9791509) sank in the Balearic Sea at the port of Barcelona, Spain. The Cala Gullo was assisting the 330 meter long, 134869 dwt container ship Cape Sounio (IMO: 9727625) in maneuver to turn the vessel around to depart from the terminal when the vessels collided.  The bow of the container ship struck the tug causing it to list over and sink. The Cape Sounio was undamaged, but the Cala Gullo sank.  The three crew onboard the tug were rescued by a pilot boat.

Authorities report there were no injuries and no pollution released. Reports state the Cala Gullo would be refloated. The Cape Sounio was allowed to proceed on its voyage to La Spezia. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

Iska 1165

Iska 1165

Iska 1165
Photo: kendariinfo.com

On the early morning of June 27, the tugboat Iska 1165 (MMSI: 525021101) ran aground and partially sank in Tanjung Goram some 33 nautical miles from the Wanci Marina Pier in Lantagi, Sulawesi, Indonesia. The tug was hit by high waves during a voyage from Ereke, North Buton to Moramo resulting in the Iska 1165 grounding.  As waves swamped the tugboat, three crew attempted to swim ashore to seek help.  One crew member reached shore while another swam back to the tugboat. The remaining crew member was swept away by the current.

Authorities dispatched rescuers to the scene, but found high waves prevented getting close to the tugboat.  It would be several hours later when weather conditions improved that rescuers reached the Iska 1165.  Authorities found 7 persons alive on the tugboat who were taken ashore and received medical treatment. The body of the crew member who was swept away by the current was recovered.  No further details reported.