Browsed by
Day: September 17, 2017

Agia Zoni II

Agia Zoni II

Agia Zoni II

On September 10, the 91 meter long, 3205 dwt tanker Agia Zoni II sank in the Saronic Gulf off the island of Salamina, Greece. The tanker had departed from Aspropyrgos distilleries with 2200 tons of fuel oil and 370 tons of marine gas.  While at anchor in calm conditions, the tanker suffered water ingress in the vessel’s engine room. The Agia Zoni II sank a short time later.  No reports of injuries. The vessel’s master and engineer on board were arrested, but later released by authorities pending trial for negligence.

Authorities sent divers to confirm the tanker holds had been sealed, but a large oil slick had been released. The slick washed ashore along the island of Salamina and the coast along southern Athens. Reports state some 20 kilometers of beaches are polluted and local authorities have banned swimming and fishing in the area. Vessels and environmental crews had been dispatched by authorities to help clean up the pollution.  Reports state the cleanup has been slow and may require up to 25 days to be completed.

Reports state the Agia Zoni II lacked the certificates of seaworthiness. The vessel had undergone some repairs before it departed, but several reports state the repairs were insufficient and improperly done. Statements such as the vessel had “gaping holes” in the engine room suggests the tanker lacked the structural integrity to be allowed to leave port. Additionally, reports state the vessel lacked a full crew. The Agia Zoni II typically would have a crew of 11 persons, but on its final voyage the tanker just had 2 crew on board. This could suggest that many crew decided not to serve on board the tanker knowing it wouldn’t stay afloat.

Greek authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

MSC Sandra

MSC Sandra

MSC Sandra
Photo: shipspotting.com

The 274 meter long, 61468 dwt container ship MSC Sandra allided with the quay at Bremerhaven, Germany. The vessel was departing from the port when the port stern struck the quay sustained hull damage above the waterline. No reports of injuries or pollution released. Reports state that poor visibility may have contributed to the incident.

Mana

Mana

 

Mana
Photo: gladstoneobserver.com.au

On September 15, the 50 meter long fishing vessel Mana ran arground on Musgrave Island, Queensland, Australia. Initial attempts to refloat the vessel by the crew had failed and the crew were forced to stay on board until the following day by a passing boat. The two crew were uninjured and safely taken to Bundaberg.

The Mana rests on a sandbank and is high and dry during low tide. Authorities report no damage and no pollution has been released, but the fishing vessel had some 8 tons of fuel on board at the time of the grounding. Authorities have a vessel monitoring the situation and are working on a salvage plan.

Mana
Photo: gladstoneobserver.com.au