Casualty Notices
If you insure, or reinsure, cargo laden on board any of the vessels below at the time of the incident we would recommend that you contact us in order to ensure your position as cargo underwriters is adequately protected.
For more information on cases we have already been instructed on please follow this link.
X-PRESS PYXIS
| Date | 29 August 2024 |
|---|---|
| Vessel Type | Fully Cellular Containership |
| Casualty | Mechanical Failure |
| Claim |
We have received reports that the 2024-built fully cellular containership X-PRESS PYXIS suffered a machinery failure which rendered her immobilised and drifting off the coast of Japan on the 29th August 2024.
As a result of the incident, the Owners of the X-PRESS PYXIS arranged the towage of the vessel to Yokohama, Japan for further inspections and repairs. We understand that containerised cargo will have to be discharged in full to affect the necessary vessel repairs.
At the time of the incident, the vessel was proceeding on a laden voyage from Busan, South Korea to Yokohama, Japan and thereafter Canadian discharge ports. It is reported that she was laden with approximately 6,000 containers of cargo.
The Owners of the X-PRESS PYXIS have declared General Average and we are in close correspondence with the appointed GA Adjusters.
MAERSK FRANKFURT
| Date | 19 July 2024 |
|---|---|
| Vessel Type | Fully Cellular Containership |
| Casualty | Cargo Fire |
| Claim |
We have received reports that the 2024-built fully cellular containership MAERSK FRANKFURT suffered a significant fire in her cargo hold on the 19th July 2024. At the time of the fire, the MAERSK FRANKFURT was approximately 100 nautical miles off the coast of India.
We understand that several Indian coastguard vessels have been deployed to the MAERSK FRANKFURT to assist, alongside helicopters which have dropped significant amounts of dry chemical powder onto the blaze.
The Indian coastguard has advised that the fire has been brought under control but we understand that the fire has intermittently reignited, and that the coast guard expects that it will take at least several days to properly douse containers in the vicinity of the fire.
At the time of the fire, the MAERSK FRANKFURT was proceeding from Indian loading ports to Colombo, Sri Lanka. She had previously called at Malaysian and Chinese loading ports, and is likely to have been proceeding to European discharge ports.
As we understand, the Owners of the MAERSK FRANKFURT have engaged Smit Salvage to render salvage assistance under the provisions of Lloyd’s Open Form salvage contract.
In addition, the Owners have declared General Average and we are in close correspondence with the appointed GA Adjusters.
TORO ROSSO
| Date | 30 May 2024 |
|---|---|
| Vessel Type | Bulk Carrier |
| Casualty | Explosion /Fire |
| Claim |
The 1997-built bulk carrier TORO ROSSO suffered a boiler explosion whilst approaching the port of Jorf Lasfar, Morocco which subsequently caused a significant fire in her engine room. Sadly this incident resulted in a number of casualties.
At least four port tugs, several naval units including helicopters, and merchant vessels supported in rescue and salvage operations. At the time of the explosion, the vessel was proceeding on a fully laden voyage from Singapore to Jorf Lasfar, Morocco and was carrying a cargo of phosphate fertilizer.
NORTHERN JUVENILE
| Date | 26 May 2024 |
|---|---|
| Vessel Type | Fully Cellular Containership |
| Casualty | Fire |
| Claim |
We have received reports that the 8,411 TEU fully cellular containership NORTHERN JUVENILE suffered a fire in her cargo hold on the 26 May 2024. At the time of the fire, the NORTHERN JUVENILE was navigating the Indian Ocean off the coast of Malaysia.
We understand that nearby vessels had been put on standby to assist in the evacuation of crew, however the fire was extinguished in the morning of 27 May 2024 and crew have remained onboard.
It appears that the NORTHERN JUVENILE may have suffered significant damage as a result of the fire. It is reported that the Owners have engaged Smit Salvage to render salvage assistance under the provisions of Lloyd’s Open Form salvage agreement.
At the time of the fire, the NORTHERN JUVENILE was proceeding on a fully laden voyage from Singapore and Chinese load ports to West African discharge ports.
The Owners have not as yet declared General Average and we are monitoring the situation closely in this regard. Prior to the discharge and delivery of cargo, salvage security will have to be provided to the satisfaction of the salvors.
LODUR
| Date | 16 May 2024 |
|---|---|
| Vessel Type | Fully Cellular Containership |
| Casualty | Grounding |
| Claim |
The 3,091 TEU fully cellular containership LODUR ran aground on the 16 May 2024. At the time of the grounding, the vessel was navigating waters off Freetown Sierra Leone.
The vessel suffered significant damage as a result of the grounding and attempts to refloat the vessel under her own steam were unsuccessful. Underwater inspections of the vessel indicate that the vessel is aground on rocks and that four of the vessel’s tanks have been breached.
Salvage assistance is being rendered under the provisions of a Lloyd’s Open Form salvage contract and a salvage operation is currently underway to refloat the vessel.
The Owners of the LODUR have declared General Average and have appointed German GA Adjusters to collect GA security
At the time of the grounding, the LODUR was proceeding on a circular voyage from Spanish and North African loading ports to West African discharge ports.
Rubymar
| Date | 19 February 2024 |
|---|---|
| Vessel Type | Bulk Carrier |
| Casualty | Missile Attack |
| Claim |
We have received reports that the 1997-built bulk carrier RUBYMAR suffered significant damage after being struck by a missile launched by Houthi rebels operating in Yemen.
At the time of the incident, the RUBYMAR was navigating the southern Red Sea whilst proceeding on a laden voyage from Middle Eastern load ports to Varna, Bulgaria.
We understand that the missile may have struck the engine room of the RUBYMAR, leaving her severely damaged and unable to proceed on her original intended voyage. It would appear that the crew has abandoned the RUBYMAR.
It is reported that the RUBYMAR is at risk of sinking and is receiving assistance from local military vessels.
MARLIN LUANDA
| Date | 26 January 2024 |
|---|---|
| Vessel Type | Oil Product Tanker |
| Casualty | Fire |
| Claim |
We have received reports that the 2018-built oil product tanker MARILIN LUANDA suffered a fire in one of her cargo tanks after reportedly being struck by a missile fired by Houthi rebels off the coast of Yemen on 16 January 2024.
The crew utilized onboard equipment to fight the fire and received fire-fighting support from several military vessels. We understand that the fire has now been extinguished.
At the time of the incident, the vessel was carrying a cargo of 109,991 tonnes of fuel additive naphtha, and was proceeding on a voyage from Kalamata Terminal, Greece to Singapore. We understand that the vessel is currently proceeding to a safe port for inspections and repairs.
The Owners of the MARLIN LUANDA have not as yet declared General Average but we are monitoring developments closely in this respect.
VENTO
| Date | 3 September 2023 |
|---|---|
| Vessel Type | Fully Cellular Containership |
| Casualty | Grounding |
| Claim |
We have received reports that the 2005-built fully cellular containership VENTO ran aground on the 3rd September off the coast of Kos Island, Greece.
At the time of the incident the vessel was proceeding on a fully laden voyage from Aliaga, Turkey to Ashdod, Israel. We understand that she was carrying 426 containers of cargo at the time of the grounding. We understand that the vessel remains aground, and that at least one tug is standing by to provide salvage assistance.
It is reported that the vessel has not suffered hull damage, however inspection will be required once the vessel has been refloated.
It is possible that the Owners may declare General Average and we are monitoring developments closely in this regard.
IZUMI MARU
| Date | 24 August 2023 |
|---|---|
| Vessel Type | General Cargo Ship |
| Casualty | Collision and Capsize |
| Claim |
The 2006-built general cargo ship IZUMI MARU suffered a collision with the containership CONTSHIP UNO, which caused the IZUMI MARU to capsize in the Kii Strait. There appears, in addition, to have been significant damage to the IZUMI MARU’s hull.
It was reported that the visibility in the area was good at the time of the collision. The CONTSHIP UNO is currently at Wakayama port where we understand that she is being inspected and repaired. It is reported that two of the crew members onboard the IZUMI MARU at the time of the incident sadly remain missing.
At the time of the incident, the IZUMI MARU was proceeding on a fully laden voyage between Chiba Prefecture and Okayama Prefecture and was carrying 1,100 tonnes of scrap metal.
BW LESMES
| Date | 23 August 2023 |
|---|---|
| Vessel Type | LNG Carrier |
| Casualty | Collision and grounding |
| Claim |
The 213-built LNG Carrier BW LESMES suffered an engine failure whilst transiting southbound through the Suez Canal. She subsequently suffered a low speed collision with the crude oil tanker BURRI, and grounded on the bank of the canal. The BURRI reportedly suffered minor rudder damage.
We understand that both vessels were assisted by several tugboats mobilised by the Suez Canal Authority. The BW LESMES was successfully refloated at approximately 3 am local time on 24 August.
At the time of the incident, it is reported that the BW LESMES was carrying ballast after discharging cargo at Cartagena in Spain.
KMTC SHENZHEN
| Date | 13 August 2023 |
|---|---|
| Vessel Type | Fully Cellular Containership |
| Casualty | Fire |
| Claim |
The Fully Cellular Containership KMTC SHENZHEN suffered a fire in her cargo hold on the 13th August 2023. At the time of the incident, the vessel was near Pantai Acheh, Malaysia.
As a result of the fire, two fire-fighting tugs and local firefighting resources were deployed to fight the fire. It would appear that the fire was successfully extinguished within several hours.
At the time of the incident, the vessel was proceeding on a laden voyage from Chinese load ports to Port Klang, Malaysia. The Owners of the KMTC SHENZHEN did not declare General Average.
Fremantle Highway
| Date | 25 July 2023 |
|---|---|
| Vessel Type | Vehicle Carrier |
| Casualty | Fire |
| Claim |
We have received reports that the Vehicle Carrier FREMANTLE HIGHWAY suffered a fire in her vehicle decks on the 25 July 2023. At the time of the incident, the vessel was off the coast of the Netherlands.
We understand that initial firefighting efforts were unsuccessful and that the crew was evacuated from the vessel in the early hours. Sadly, it is reported that one crew member has since died as a result of the fire.
At the moment there are several salvage tugs at the scene providing salvage and fire-fighting assistance to the vessel. She has been towed out of the sea lane but we understand that the fire has not yet been extinguished.
At the time of the incident, the FREMANTLE HIGHWAY was proceeding on a fully laden voyage from Bremen, Germany to Port Said, Egypt and was carrying approximately 3,000 vehicles.
It is clear that the vessel and her cargo have suffered significant damage. It is likely that salvage and recovery issues will arise and the Owners may declare General Average. We are monitoring developments closely in this regard
ANGEL
| Date | 20 July 2023 |
|---|---|
| Vessel Type | Fully Cellular Containership |
| Casualty | Water ingress and partial sinking |
| Claim |
We have received reports that the 2002-built fully cellular containership ANGEL suffered water ingress whilst anchored off Kaohsiung Port, Taiwan which in turn created a significant portside list on 20 July 2023. The vessel subsequently partially sank from the stern on 21 July 2023, with local media reports showing only the bow currently above water.
It is also reported that approximately 600 containers broke free from the vessel and that the majority of these are currently adrift. We understand that she was carrying 1,349 container shells at the time of the incident.
The ANGEL previously called at ports in Sri Lanka and the PR China before this incident. We understand that she is currently receiving salvage assistance from several tugs.
It is possible that the Owners may declare General Average and we are monitoring developments closely in this regard.
If you insure, or reinsure, cargo laden on board the ANGEL at the time of the incident, please do not hesitate to contact us for further information.
XIN YUAN LONG 6
| Date | 17 July 2023 |
|---|---|
| Vessel Type | General Cargo with container capacity |
| Casualty | Collision |
| Claim |
We have received reports that the 2021-built general cargo vessel XIN YUAN LONG 6 suffered a collision with a sand carrier whilst departing the port of Ningbo, China which holed her hull and caused water ingress. We understand that the vessel subsequently developed a heavy list to port and has since partially sank.
It is reported that salvage services are being rendered to the vessel by several salvage tugs.
At the time of the incident, the XIN YUAN LONG 6 was proceeding on a fully laden voyage from Ningbo to Huangpu New Port and other discharge ports in China. It is likely that much of this cargo was destined for transshipment to other destinations.
At least 40 containers have been lost overboard from the vessel. In addition, we expect that a significant amount of other cargo still laden onboard will have suffered wet damage.
Photo: YouTube via Splash247
MSC RITA
| Date | 6 June 2023 |
|---|---|
| Vessel Type | Fully Cellular Containership |
| Casualty | Fire |
| Claim |
We have received reports that the Fully Cellular Containership MSC RITA suffered an explosion in her engine room which subsequently caused a significant fire in both her aft container bay and engine room. The vessel had been proceeding on a laden voyage from Algoa Bay, South Africa to discharge ports in the United Arab Emirates.
We understand at least three firefighting tugs have attended the scene of the casualty in order to fight the fire on board the vessel
The fire appears to have erupted whilst the vessel was at anchorage at Mina Khalifa in the UAE. It is likely that there will be significant cargo damage from both the fire and resulting fire-fighting operations. It is as yet unclear what damage the ship has suffered, although this could be significant.
It is possible that the Owners of the MSC RITA will declare General Average and we are monitoring developments closely in this regard. If the Owners of the MSC RITA do declare General Average, GA security will have to be provided to the satisfaction of her Owners.
SHILING
| Date | 12 May 2023 |
|---|---|
| Vessel Type | Fully Cellular Containership |
| Casualty | Machinery Failure |
| Claim | LOF Salvage |
We understand that the fully cellular containership SHILING experienced an engine failure on the 12th May 2023 off the coast of New Zealand, having just departed the port of Wellington. It would appear that the SHILING developed a significant list and also suffered a steering gear failure.
As a result, the Owners of the SHILING were forced to engage salvage assistance and it is reported that an anchor handling tug was despatched to the site of the casualty. At the present time, the anchor handling tug is standing by the casualty.
Salvage services were rendered under the provision of Lloyd’s Open Form salvage contract. In addition, the Owners of the SHILING may declare General Average and we are monitoring developments very closely in this regard.
Accordingly, prior to the on-delivery of cargo, acceptable salvage security will have to be provided in order to release the cargo from the salvors’ lien. We are in communication with the salvors representatives in relation to the level of salvage security to be demanded.
TRUE CONRAD
| Date | 10 May 2023 |
|---|---|
| Vessel Type | Newcastlemax Bulk Carrier |
| Casualty | Grounding |
| Voyage | Itaguai, Brazil to Singapore |
The Newcastlemax Bulk Carrier TRUE CONRAD ran aground in Ilha Grande Bay, Brazil on the 10 May 2023. At the time of the grounding, the TRUE CONRAD was proceeding on a fully laden voyage from Itaguai, Brazil to Singapore, with a full cargo of iron ore.
As of today, the TRUE CONRAD remains hard aground and it would appear that she cannot re-float by her own means. It is reported that at least one salvage tug is currently engaged in salvage operations in order to try and re-float the TRUE CONRAD.
It is likely that salvage issues will arise as a result of this casualty. In addition, it is possible that the Owners will declare General Average and we are monitoring developments closely in this regard.
ESCAPE
| Date | 22 February 2023 |
|---|---|
| Vessel Type | Container Carrier – VT UCC |
| Casualty | Fire |
| Voyage | Klaipeda, Lithuania to Riga, Latvia |
The fully cellular containership ESCAPE experienced a fire in her engine room on the 22nd January 2023, whilst navigating the Baltic Sea. It is reported that the crew were unable to extinguish the fire before they were evacuated from the vessel.
As we understand two salvage tugs, including one firefighting tug, were dispatched to the vessel in order to fight the fire. It is reported that the fire aboard the ESCAPE was eventually extinguished and the vessel was subsequently taken under tow to Riga, Latvia.
It is possible that the Owners of the ESCAPE will declare General Average as a result of the fire. We are monitoring developments closely in this respect.
SEA EXPRESS
| Date | 7 January 2023 |
|---|---|
| Vessel Type | Fully Cellular Containership |
| Casualty | Fire and Declaration of General Average |
| Voyage | Middle Eastern load ports to Indian discharge ports |
We have received the following report:
The fully cellular containership SEA EXPRESS partially capsized during cargo discharge operations at the port of Mundra, India on the 7th January 2023.
As a result of the loss of stability, a number of containers were lost overboard into the sea.
The SEA EXPRESS has now been stabilised but it is likely there will be significant cargo damage arising as a result of sea containers falling into the sea.
ZIM CHARLESTON
| Date | 8 August 2022 |
|---|---|
| Vessel Type | Fully Cellular Containership |
| Casualty | Fire and Declaration of General Average |
| Voyage | China, South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore and Colombo to Indian discharge ports |
We have received the following report:
The fully cellular containership ZIM CHARLESTON has suffered a significant fire in her cargo hold on the 8th August 2022, having just departed from the port of Colombo, Sri Lanka.
As a result of the fire, the ZIM CHARLESTON was forced to immediately return to the port of Colombo as a port of refuge.
At the time of the fire, the ZIM CHARLESTON was proceeding on a rotational voyage from China, South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia to Sri Lanka and India.
It is thought that some 300 containers and cargo have been adversely affected by the fire. At the present time, all the damaged containers and cargo are being discharged at the port of Colombo.
The Owners of the ZIM CHARLESTON have declared General Average and have appointed Albatross Adjusters to collect GA security.
We are in correspondence with the GA Adjusters and we are presently reviewing the wording of the GA security and will be negotiating more favourable GA security wording on behalf of cargo interests we represent. In addition, we are in close contact with the GA Adjusters to determine the containers and cargo that have been damaged by the fire.
MSC RACHELE
| Date | 21 June 2022 |
|---|---|
| Vessel Type | Fully Cellular Containership |
| Casualty | Engine Room Explosion and Fire |
| Voyage | Italian Load Ports to French Discharge Ports |
We have received the following report:
The fully cellular containership MSC RACHELE suffered an engine room explosion and fire on the 21st June 2022, whilst sailing off the French coast. At the time of the explosion the MSC RACHELE was proceeding on a laden voyage from Italian load ports to French discharge ports.
As a result of the explosion, three crew members had to airlifted from the MSC RACHELE.
We understand that the fire has now been brought under control and the MSC RACHELE is under tow to Marseille for inspections.
It is possible that the Owners of the MSC RACHELE will declare General Average as a result of the explosion and subsequent fire.
FELICITY ACE
| Date | 16 February 2022 |
|---|---|
| Vessel Type | Vehicle Carrier |
| Casualty | Fire and Salvage Services rendered under Lloyd’s Open Form |
| Voyage | Emden, Germany to Daisville, Rhode Island |
We have received the following report:
The Vehicle Carrier FELICITY ACE has suffered a fire in one of her cargo decks whilst proceeding on a laden voyage from Emden, Germany to Daisville, Rhode Island. At the present time the FELICITY ACE is drifting in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.
We understand that the majority of the vehicles that were laden on the vessel at the time of the fire are Volkswagens and Porsches destine for the American market.
As a result of the fire, the Owners of the FELICITY ACE engaged salvors to render salvage assistance under the provisions of Lloyd’s Open Form salvage agreement.
It is likely that there will be significant PA losses arising as a result of this casualty, in addition to the salvage claim.
We would recommend that if you insure cargo, or reinsure cargo, onboard the FELICITY ACE at the time of the incident that you contact us immediately in order to ensure that your interests are protected.
MADRID BRIDGE
| Date | 7 January 2022 |
|---|---|
| Vessel Type | Fully Cellular Containership |
| Casualty | Loss of Sea Containers |
| Voyage | Yantian, China, Vung Tau and Cai Mep, Vietnam and Singapore to New York |
Current Information:
- The fully cellular containership MADRID BRIDGE suffered a collapse of containers on the 7th January 2022 whilst proceeding across the Atlantic Ocean towards her original intended port of New York.
- We understand that the MADRID BRIDGE lost approximately 30 sea containers as a result of the container collapse.
- At the present time, the MADRID BRIDGE is slow steaming to New York where she is due to arrive on the 20th January 2022.
- We are monitoring the movements of the MADRID BRIDGE carefully in order to ascertain her updated ETA at New York.
- It is likely that recovery issues will arise in relation to cargo lost overboard as a result of the container collapse.
Photo: fleetmon.com