[Update] Aft Section of MOL Comfort Sinks

In an update this morning Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. reported that the aft part of the containership MOL Comfort sank in the open sea near the West Coast of India (14’26”N 66’26”E) in about 4,000m of water at 16:48 JST (11:48 Dubai time) on June 27.

The vessel had been unable to continue sailing under its own power after the hull fractured in 2 parts while under way on the Indian Ocean on June 17. 

The ships 26 crew members were safely evacuated from the vessel shortly after the hull began to fracture.

About 1,700 containers aboard the aft part sank with this section of the vessel. Some are confirmed floating near the site.

About 1,500 metric tons of fuel oil was estimated to be aboard in the tanks of the aft section, however no large volume of oil leakage is confirmed at this moment.

MOL says Indian authorities have been notified of the spill and have patrol boats in the area monitoring the situation. 

M/S MOL has hired SMIT Singapore to conduct salvage operations. The salvage company has four tugs in the area. The Indian Coast Guard is actively working to prevent further pollution, using control vessel Samudra Prahair for preventive pollution control.

Salvage tugs have connected the tow rope to the forward part of the fore section of the ship and continue to tow in to Oman. The Indian Navy and Coast Guard continue to monitor the situation.