Incident Situation Update: Crude Oil Tanker BRIGHT ARTEMIS
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. has conducted a second crude oil spill status survey after the incident involving the tanker Bright Artemis. Oil spill control and response experts surveyed the area from a chartered airplane on August 24 and observed emulsified oil films, which were not apparent during the first air survey on August 16. The spots were in an area 10 miles long and one-half mile wide.
The oil was observed about 160 miles (about 300 kilometers) west of Andaman and Nicobar Islands within India's exclusive economic zone. As a result, MOL also made a second report to India's Coast Guard.
Oil spill control and response experts say the natural neutralization process is under way in which the highly volatile components in the crude oil are vaporizing, and the remainder mixes with seawater and becomes further emulsified. MOL continues to monitor the areas, and will take appropriate response as necessary.
MarEx Note: The BRIGHT ARTEMIS was involved in a collision in the Indian Ocean with a smaller cargo ship that resulted in a spill of crude oil. Reportedly, the tanker BRIGHT ARMETIS tried to maneuver near the smaller vessel, AMAR, which had reported a fire on board. According to the tanker’s operators, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, the accident took place 300 miles west of India's Nicobar Islands as the tanker, responding to a distress signal, tried to maneuver near the AMAR, which had reported a fire on board. According to Mitsui accounts, a wind wave swept the AMAR into the BRIGHT ARTEMIS. A large gash in the tanker’s hull resulted. In response, the tanker transferred cargo internally to other tanks to prevent any further spillage of oil. There were no injuries reported on board the tanker. The crew of the AMAR was rescued by the BRIGHT ARTEMIS and other vessels that were in the vicinity. Mitsui O.S.K. has previously said that the spill had been reported to Singaporean and Indian Coast Guard officials. The environmental impact of the spill is still being evaluated.