MOL Comfort Towing Commences, Sister Ships Inspected [UPDATE 2]

The aft portion of the MOL Comfort. Photo: MRCC Mumbai

Update (27 JUN): MOL Comfort stern section sinks [PHOTOS]

Update 2 (26 JUN): Mitsui O.S.K. Lines confirmed via statement that towing has commenced on the fore part of the MOL Comfort toward the Arabian Gulf. Crews continue to monitor the aft part and are preparing for the tow operation.

MOL also confirmed that no oil sheen has been spotted around the fore part. A small sheen has been spotted around the aft section, but there is no sign of a large spill at this time.

Update 1 (25 JUN): Three tugs and a patrol boat arrived on scene Monday near the two floating sections of the MOL Comfort.

Sources have told gCaptain that Sri Lanka Shipping company’s tug, the 11,1840 bhp M/V Capricorn, commenced towing the fore part of the MOL Comfort at 1700 local time on June 25, approximately 275 nm off the Indian port of Mormugo. The aft is to be towed by Bahrain Minerals Company’s tug, the 8.440 bhp MV Karar. The Shipping Corporation of India’s, MV SCI Urja, is standing by in the vicinity, as is an Indian Coast Guard vessel. The vessels are believed to be headed for Oman. As of right now we are unable to independently verify this information, however.

According to a statement by the shipowner, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), an additional vessel is scheduled to arrive on the 26th to assist with the salvage, or “rescue” of the hulls and cargo as MOL is describing it.

Sister Vessels

“We have started an investigation of the causes together with the shipbuilder, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries,” notes MOL in their latest update. In conjunction with the shipbuilder and the classification society, ClassNK, thorough inspections of the six sister ships, the MOL Creation, MOL Charisma, MOL Celebration, MOL Courage, MOL Competence, and MOL Commitment are to begin at the earliest possible opportunity. Additionally, MOL notes that operational procedures to reduce hull stress on these vessels are also being carried out as an interim contingency plan.

Previous gCaptain coverage of the MOL Comfort Incident, click HERE