- Collision in the Strait of Gibraltar Causes Major Paraffin Spill.
- Chemical Tanker and Bulk Carrier Collide, Resulting in Environmental Hazard.
- Maritime Authorities Respond to Significant Spill in Strait of Gibraltar.
On the morning of November 1, the chemical tanker Southern Puma collided with the bulk carrier Louisa Bolten in the Strait of Gibraltar, about 20 miles southeast of Punta Europa and 15 miles east of Ceuta, reports Safety4Sea.
Damage and Spill Details
The Southern Puma, laden with 600 tons of paraffin for discharge at San Roque, suffered heavy damage from the collision. Some 500 cubic meters, or 500,000 litres, of paraffin went into the water. The Louisa Bolten had only minor bow damage, and luckily, no one reported being injured from either ship.
Response and Clean-up Operations
The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre of Tarifa reacted very fast, launching the boats Luz de Mar and Salvamar Denébola. Pre-assessments gave rise to an odour that somewhat evokes cleaning materials as well as an obvious oily slick across the surface. Samples are taken aboard, and, in general terms, after a scanning helicopter, such as Helimer 220, a smaller oil spill area has been observed in front of Southern Puma.
Constant Monitoring and Containment Operations
The Southern Puma was instructed to anchor 12 miles offshore as the Algeciras Maritime Authority would coordinate further examination and cleaning activities. The considerable currents in the Strait of Gibraltar call for constant monitoring from the maritime authority, and specialized containment groups have been kept on standby in case the paraffin spreads further, which would be partly evaporated.
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Source: Safety4Sea
