Tugboat sinks after collision with Containership in the Callao Sea, leaving six injured
A collision between the tugboat Westport and the containership A. Idefix on 14th March in the Callao Sea resulted in the sinking of the tugboat. Six crew members have been reported to be injured in the incident. The cause behind the accident is still uncertain and is under investigation.
The incident occurred at 8:30 AM local time when the tugboat collided with the containership. This caused a hole to be punched in the hull of the Westport, and the tugboat listed towards its starboard side. A short while later, it sank stern-first into the water.
The incident was reported to the VTS Callao, which arranged for the deployment of a Zodiac boat to the site and the subsequent rescue of the injured individuals. Civil Defence and Disaster Risk Management for the Municipality of Callao responded immediately to the accident and mobilized a response promptly. The injured crew members were transported to a nearby hospital.
Containment barriers for the contingency of pollution have been deployed, considering that the tugboat sank completely.
Fog prevailing in the area at the time of the incident is suspected of being one possible cause of the collision. Investigations have been launched into the incident, with the National Police and the Navy cooperating.
Engine failure leaves cargo vessel Venture aground near Hamburg
On 18th March, the Antigua Barbuda-flagged cargo vessel Venture experienced engine failure and ran aground in Elbe river near Hamburg. The vessel began to drift before getting stranded in shallow waters.
Authorities promptly responded and dispatched a tugboat to assist the distressed vessel. The tugboat successfully refloated the vessel and escorted it to the Hamburg Port. There were no reports of injuries or environmental pollution resulting from the incident.
Venture is a 1993-built cargo vessel that has a carrying capacity of 2,366 tonnes. The vessel has a length of 74.9 metres and width of 11.4 metres
LNG tanker and Bulk carrier collide in Bay of Gibraltar
On 18th March, the LNG tanker SM Kestrel collided with the anchored bulk carrier Diamond Star II in the western anchorage of the Bay of Gibraltar. The incident occurred around 1:00 AM local time when SM Kestrel, while maneuvering to depart, came in contact with Diamond Star II.
LNG tanker SM KESTREL collided with bulk carrier DIAMOND STAR II, image credit:gbc.gi
Both Panama-flagged vessels sustained minor damage and remained anchored. No injuries were reported, and there was no pollution resulting from the collision.
Surveyors from the respective Class and Flag authorities are scheduled to assess the vessels at the earliest opportunity. Additionally, Port State Control officials from the Gibraltar Maritime Administration (GMA) will conduct an inspection.
SM Kestrel is a Korea-Line-owned LNG Carrier, while Diamond Star II is a Dubai-controlled bulker. Marine traffic data shows both vessels are currently at Gibraltar West Anchorage.
Cargo vessel detained for unauthorized anchoring in Perak Waters
The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) in Perak detained the bulk carrier, Queen Harmony. On 17th March, at around 3:30 PM local time, authorities found a vessel anchored without authorization approximately 13 nautical miles northwest of Pulau Jarak.
In the investigation, it was revealed that the vessel had neither obtained any anchor permit from the Malaysian Marine Department nor reported its arrival in Malaysian waters.
The case is being investigated under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952, which imposes a maximum fine of RM 100,000 (around $21,000 USD) or imprisonment of up to two years. Failure to report arrival may result in an additional fine of up to RM 5,000 (around $1,050 USD).
The Director of MMEA reported that the vessel is operated by an Egyptian captain and has a crew of twenty, including one Russian, two Ukrainian, and seventeen Filipinos. The two crew members have been taken to the MMEA Perak Headquarters for further investigation.
