Tanker incidents, tug responses highlight risks and bravery at sea

So far, 2024 has seen several dramatic incidents involving tankers, underscoring the inherent risks of maritime operations, and International Maritime Organization (IMO) is to highlight acts of exceptional bravery, honouring individuals who have displayed remarkable courage in these perilous situations.

Captain Avhilash Rawat and the crew of 2018-built LR2 tanker Marlin Luanda (now renamed Boccadasse) received the IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea.

Their vessel was struck by an anti-ship missile, igniting a fire that could have led to an environmental disaster. Despite the imminent danger and destruction of the starboard lifeboat, Capt Rawat orchestrated firefighting efforts that continued for hours. Reinforcements arrived from nearby naval vessels, yet the crew’s persistence was crucial.

Capt Rawat reflected on the incident, noting "the determination and training of the crew were pivotal in managing the crisis until professional firefighters could assist."

Similarly, the other recipients, Captain Jorge Fernando Galaviz Fuentes and the crew of the tugboat Pemex Maya, were honoured for their valour during Hurricane Otis.

In treacherous conditions, they rescued six shipwrecked individuals from four different vessels. Capt Galaviz described the operation as "a race against time and nature, where every decision mattered." The crew navigated in darkness, often making split-second decisions to save lives amid towering waves and violent winds.

These heroic acts contrast with more tragic outcomes in other incidents this year.

The capsizing of the 2007-built, 7,500 dwt Prestige Falcon near Oman resulted in a desperate search and rescue operation. Nine crew members were saved, one was found deceased, and six remain missing.

The Omani Maritime Security Centre has acknowledged the challenging conditions and the co-operation of international forces, including the Indian Navy, in the ongoing recovery efforts. This incident, involving a small chemical tanker, raised alarms about potential environmental impacts, with authorities stressing the importance of addressing the sunken vessel’s hazards promptly.

Another notable incident involved a collision between 2017-built LR1 tanker Hafnia Nile and 2001-built VLCC Ceres I, believed to be part of a ’dark fleet’ engaged in sanctions-evading activities. This collision near Singapore sparked fires on both vessels and led to an oil spill.

The Singapore Maritime and Port Authority reported "containment and cleanup operations are ongoing, with priority given to minimising environmental damage."

Ceres I, previously flagged for multiple safety deficiencies, exemplifies the risks associated with older, poorly maintained vessels operating in sensitive maritime regions.

Investigations into these incidents have highlighted recurring issues, including maintenance lapses and inadequate safety measures.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) stressed the importance of proper maintenance and crew training in preventing disasters, citing cases such as the engineroom fire on 2003-built chemical tanker Endo Breeze.

"Failure to follow maintenance procedures can lead to catastrophic failures, as seen with the misaligned fuel injector pump," the NTSB reported. 

These incidents reveal patterns of vulnerability in tanker operations, particularly in regions with high traffic and geopolitical tensions.

The maritime industry faces the dual challenges of enhancing safety protocols and addressing the activities of non-compliant vessels.

As IMO and other bodies push for stricter regulations and better enforcement, the lessons from these incidents serve as a critical reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance, preparedness and international co-operation in maritime safety.