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Wakashio

Wakashio

Wakashio
Photo: pledgetimes.com

On July 25, the 300 meter long, 203130 dwt bulk carrier Wakashio ran aground three miles off Pointe D’esny, Mauritius. The Wakashio was on a return voyage to Tubarão, Brazil from Lianyungang, China. The bulk carrier was proceeding with just ballast, 3800 tons of bunker fuel oil and 20 crew on board. The vessel course would traverse the Indian Ocean to pass the capes of South Africa on to Brazil.

As the Wakashio approached the island of Mauritius, authorities attempted to alert the bulk carrier it was on the wrong course. Reports state the vessel had altered the standard course so the vessel could approach nearer to the coast. The course change was to allow the vessel to get a wifi signal while celebrating a crewmember’s birthday. During the celebration, the crew had no one attending the communications. Authorities attempted to contact the vessel for an hour until they finally got through. The master of the Wakashio insisted to Mauritius coast guard that the vessel’s course was safe.

Unfortunately, the Wakashio course drove the bulk carrier up on a reef along Mauritius southern coast. The bulk carrier was firmly aground at the stern while the bow was still floating free.  Fully exposed to the weather, the Wakashio began to substain damage over the next days. Several cracks appeared along the hull and the fuel tanks were ruptured. Bunker fuel began to leak out of the vessel and begun to wash ashore. Authorities had placed booms around the Wakashio, but were ineffective in containing the pollution. Authorities and local volunteers were able to remove some 150 metric tons of pollution off the beach. Experts estimate it will take several years to remove the majority of the pollution from the reef and shoreline.  Like the MS Olivia or the Rena which both ran aground and released a large amount of pollution, it may take decades before the entire environmental impact can be determined.

Wakashio

By August 6, the Wakashio had released some 1180 tons of fuel forming a 7 mile long oil slick.  The remaining fuel and oil on board the bulk carrier was transferred to small tankers by August 12. A few days later the vessel broke-in-two along the No. 8 cargo hold.  An additional 100 metric tons of lubricating oil was released. The bow section of the Wakashio is to be towed away and sunk in deep water.

Authorities have launched an investigation into incident. No reports if any criminal charges have been issued for the officers of the vessel.

Dimitris S

Dimitris S

Dimitris S
Photo: nos.nl

The 190 meter long, 48,821 dwt bulk carrier Dimitris S caught fire while berthed in Rotterdam, Netherlands. The Dimitris S had arrived from Dordrecht with a cargo of scrap metal when fire broke out in the hold. Local fire brigade and fireboats were alerted and the combined effort was able to extinguish the blaze after several hours. One crewman on board the Dimitris S was later taken to hospital for treatment. Reports state the fire was likely caused by the scrap self-igniting. No details on damage or pollution released.

Bluebill

Bluebill

Bluebill
Photo: explica.co

On June 23, the 200 meter long, 37332 dwt bulk carrier Bluebill allided with a railroad bridge while transiting the Panama Canal. The Bluebill had departed from Balboa in ballast and was crossing the Panama Canal towards the Atlantic Ocean when it struck the Chagres River railway bridge. Tugs were alerted and aided the bulk carrier away from the bridge to a nearby anchorage.

The bridge sustained major damage with part of the platform and rails collapsed into the river. Reports state the bulk carrier sustained only slight damage to the bow, but the vessel will be later inspected for possible damage.

Authorities have halted rail traffic and have launched an investigation into the incident. Reports state the rail bridge will be out of service for at least several weeks for repairs. No reports of injuries or pollution released.