Not long after MOL Comfort sinking

Another accident that reminds a lot both the recent MOL Comfort incident, and the Swanland disaster, involved the Panamanian flagged bulk carrier, MV Smart, which split in two August 19, after grounding off Richards Bay in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), Richards Bay volunteers were activated by the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) to assist 3 Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) tug boats in attendance at the coal cargo ship. As with the Swanland case, the incident will sure arouse more discussion in relation tothe standards employed when flags of convenience are involved.

Image Source: Towingline

MV Smart grounded on a sand bank in shallows adjacent to the Port exit channel, where the tug boats were attempting to pull her free of the sand bank after she ran aground in swells of up to ten metres while exiting Port to go to sea. The structural integrity of the vessel was compromised and the Captain ordered his ship to be abandoned. According to the NSRI, all 23 of the ship’s crew were hoisted into a rescue helicopter in relays and brought safely ashore where paramedics and NSRI personnel received them.

The vessel carrying 147,650 tonnes of coal when the grounding occured sustained damage to several cargo hatches resulting in the release of some of her cargo. The Department of Environmental Affairs will prepare a montiroting plan in orderto investigate the potential impact of coal pollution on the surrounding marine environment. However, according to a spokesperson for the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), there is ‘no threat of a spill’. The MV Smart had approximately 1,600 tonnes of fuel and approximately 120 tonnes of diesel on board when she ran aground.

Read more about these recent vessel accidents

Bulk carrier MV Smart grounding in South Africa

MOL Comfort Casualty Investigation Update

Safety Enhancements on Sister Vessels of the Containership MOL Comfort