We have learned of an incident involving the vessel BOW DIAMOND, a Gibraltar flag, 2001 built, 6,204gt hazardous goods carrier, which encountered very heavy weather in the Gulf of Aden during a laden voyage from China to Europe, via India.
Containers of Class 1.1D explosives collided with each other in Hold No. 1, after lashings broke during the storm. Seventeen containers were damaged and significant quantity of TNT was spilled within the hold. BOW DIAMOND sought refuge in Ain Sokhna, Egypt where she remains berthed.
Five Oceans Salvage were contracted by the owners on 19th July, initially under a Wreckhire contract, to assess the situation and formulate an action plan. It was considered to be a very complex operation and a Lloyd’s Open Form was signed effective 29th July for the continuation of Salvage services.
A salvage team including 11 hazmat/explosives experts has been mobilised to assist the vessel, with the intention of offloading the containers for inspection, transferring the contents of those found to be damaged into sound containers, and then cleaning up the spillage from inside the hold and boxes (explosive waste).
If you are aware of any involvement in this casualty and W E Cox Claims Group may be of assistance in any way, including provision of Salvage securities, arranging surveys, adjusting potential losses or undertaking recovery action, please do not hesitate to contact us.
As appropriate, please contact:
United Kingdom – Paul Friett cargoclaims@w-e-cox.co.uk
Hong Kong – Wendy Lee wendy@ceemis.com.hk
Singapore – Paul Sansom psansom@w-e-cox.com.sg
USA – Charles Droll cdroll@w-e-cox.com
Australia – Robert Hammersley rhammersley@w-e-cox.com.au
If this or future casualty notices should be forwarded to any of your colleagues, we would be pleased to receive their contact details and we will add them to our Client List.