The Senegalese government-owned ferry capsized off the coast of The Gambia on September 26, 2002, resulting in the deaths of at least 1,863 people. The sinking of the ferry Le Joola is thought to be the second-worst non-military maritime disaster in number of lives lost, after the Doña Paz. The ferry was reportedly loaded to overcapacity,…
The passenger/cargo ship SS Morro Castle caught fire and burned on 8 September 1934, while on a voyage from Havana, Cuba to New York. The origin of the fire was never conclusively determined. The master had died in his sleep the previous night of an apparent heart attack. The fire was detected in the First Class Writing Room…
The Danish Maritime Accident Investigation Board (DMAIB) issued a media release concerning the foundering of the offshore supply vessels Maersk Searcher and Maersk Shipper while under tow by Maersk Battler in the Bay of Biscay on 21-22 December 2016. The report concluded that the risk analysis focused on various risks in isolation and failed to…
(http://www.MaritimeCyprus.com) This detailed publication from UK P&I club, written in conjunction with Surveyor IMCS, deals with all aspects of hatch covers including testing and evaluation of watertight integrity, common maintenance problems and evidence to produce in the event of a claim. This document has been designed to help those involved in inspecting, testing and evaluating the weathertight integrity of hatch covers…
(http://www.MaritimeCyprus.com) The Irish Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport issued a notice providing guidance on the use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) installations on vessels. Dangers and Best Practice Guidance: Due to the continuing use of LPG systems on smaller cargo ships, fishing vessels, pleasure craft and other marine craft, the Irish Maritime Administration…
(Join our newsfeed at: http://www.MaritimeCyprus.com) The “Letter of regret” is a classic piece of dry humor that has been kicking around the maritime community for a long time. We could all use a little more humor in our lives. Consider this contribution from Dennis L. Bryant. Letter of regret Dear Sirs: It is with regret and haste…
(Join our newsfeed at http://www.MaritimeCyprus.com) On 18 August 1990, the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90) was enacted into law in the USA. On March 24, 1989, the Exxon Valdez spilled over 11 million gallons of Alaskan crude into the water of Prince William Sound. There were many lessons learned the aftermath of the Valdez oil spill. Two…
