February 15th marks 37 years from the loss of the semi-submersible mobile offshore drilling unit ‘Ocean Ranger’ off Canada. The platform sank along with its entire 84 crew, claiming the title of one of the worst offshore drilling accidents in North American history. The incident forms another example of how lack of compliance with procedures and inadequate safety culture can have tragic consequences.
A disastrous oil spill could occur in Solomon Islands area, after the Hong Kong-flagged bulk carrier ‘Solomon Trader’ ran aground on a reef on the remote island of Rennell, south of the capital Honiara. The 225 meter-long ship grounded last week after she attempted to collect bauxite from a nearby mine site.
The research vessel ‘Hugin Explorer’ found a 57-year-old mariner in distress, approximately 230 miles offshore of Galveston, Texas, Wednesday. USCG Sector Houston-Galveston watchstanders received a report from the crew of the ‘Hugin Explorer’ stating the sailing vessel ‘Pomodoro’ was taking on water and in need of assistance.
The fire-stricken container ship ‘APL Vancouver’ is now en route to Singapore. The vessel was cleared for departure on February 12th following inspections by the Salvage team and Class surveyor. Additional safety measures have been provided for its voyage to Singapore, including an escort tug.
Chilean Navy troops vessel ‘Aquiles’ ran aground while it was leaving Puerto Williams, Beagle Channel, Cape Horn area, southernmost Chile. The vessel allegedly strayed off fairway after it fell onto a buoy on February 12, 14.00 local time.
A total of 198 containers onboard the ‘Yantian Express’ is estimated to be a total loss after the 7,510 TEU container ship sustained a major fire off Bermuda in early January. The ill-fated ship arrived in Freeport Bahamas last week, where she has berthed to undergo an inspection.
The Norwegian Epic cruise vessel sustained power loss during its current cruise to the Caribbean on February 12, requiring the NCL cruise ship to divert to San Juan, Puerto Rico. The cruise vessel was planned to voyage to Tortola, British Virgin Islands, and later on sail to St Thomas, US Virgin Islands and Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas on February 15th before returning to Port Canaveral on February 16th.
A bosun then ordered two ABs to go forward to tie down the mooring lines on winches but during the operation two large waves hit the bow and knocked both ABs over. One of them sustained severe injuries to his back which have left him severely paralysed. The captain had said to the third mate that the bosun was not to go forward until the afternoon and better weather.
According to the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency, the boating year 2018 continued until late autumn and claimed the lives of 51 boaters. The accidents followed a pattern of a small boat, older man and cottage shore. The renewed Water Transport Act now gives more emphasis on life vests and other floating equipment.
Transport Malta’s MSIU issued an investigation report into the grounding of the Togo-registered oil tanker ‘Hephaestus’ in February 2018, after being exposed at anchor for several days in deteriorating weather conditions. The report highlighted lack of visible leadership and commitment towards safety from the company.
