VLCC tanker Chief Officer and Bosun killed by wave in Drake Passage UPDATE

Posted in Accidents by Mikhail Voytenko

Sep 14, 2021 at 09:42.

Sep 14 UPDATE: Northern Marine Management Official Statement:
Official Statement - Glasgow, September 13, 2021

It is with deep sadness and regret that Northern Marine Management, as Managers of the 298,991 dwt Belgian flagged, crude oil tanker ‘Arafura’, (IMO 9728708) report the tragic deaths of the Chief Officer and Bosun, both Indian Nationals, as the vessel rounded Cape Horn.

 Northern Marine Management are providing support to the families in their time of great loss.
At the time of the incident, (1000 local time, Saturday 11th September) MT Arafura was on passage from Brazil to Long Beach, US West Coast in fully laden condition, in adverse weather, with large swells and waves.
 

While a full investigation will be undertaken into the loss of our two much-valued colleagues, early indications are that after they were attending to an alarm in the forward part of the vessel, they were struck by a large wave.
 

The MT Arafura’s course has been consequently deviated to best ensure an expedited disembarkation and repatriation of the deceased and as timely a relief of the crew as possible. It is currently heading North up the Chilean Coast with an Estimated Time of Arrival off Valparaiso of September 18.

Following discussions with the Chilean Maritime Authorities it is hoped that some crew changes will be possible at the same time.
 

Every sympathy and heartfelt condolences go out to the families from both Northern Marine Management and the vessel's Owners, EURONAV.

​

Crude oil tanker ARAFURA encountered heavy seas in Drake Passage on Sep 10-12, while en route from Porto do Acu Brazil to Long Beach USA. Two crew members were injured while performing their job, tanker contacted MRCC Punta Arenas and reported medical emergency requiring medevac.

Rendezvous was appointed, tanker met Chilean Navy ships PSG 78 SIBBALD and OPV 83 MARINERO FUENTEALBA on Sep 12, injured seamen were medevaced. Tanker resumed her voyage and as of 0900 UTC Sep 14, she was sailing in the Pacific along Chilean coast, still in bad weather.

According to Indian sources, Chief Officer and Bosun were injured and died from injures, they’ve been checking compartments in forecastle area, and were hit by wave in the process. Both were of Indian nationality. Information not yet confirmed.

New FleetMon Vessel Safety Risk Reports Available: https://www.fleetmon.com/services/vessel-risk-rating/