On August 30, the 65 meter long, 1390 dwt tanker Virginia G ran aground near Dakar, Senegal. The Virginia G had been moored behind the lee of Goree Island when heavy swells broke the vessel’s lines. The tanker drifted until it ran ashore onto Mbattal beach. No reports of injuries. The Virginia G had been waiting for repairs at the time. Reports state some looting had occurred and authorities have placed security around the vessel.
On August 30, the 153 meter long, 17,500 dwt container ship Mareno caught fire near Luderitz, Namibia. The Mareno was en route to Luderitz from Cape Town with containers when several containers caught fire. The vessel requested assistance with two firefighting tugs dispatched to the scene.The tugs were able to extinguish the blaze after several hours. Six containers containing charcoal were burnt and were unloaded in Luderitz. No reports of injuries or pollution released. Authorities have inspected the Mareno and found the vessel sustained only minor damage. An investigation into the incident has been launched.