Iranian container ship broke in two? Singapore Strait accident UPDATE
May 16, 2020 Maritime Safety News
UPDATE May 12: SAMUDRA SAKTI I was refloated at around 1600 UTC May 11, taken to nearby Batam Anchorage, anchored. SHAHRAZ as of 0820 UTC May 12 remained aground, and judging from latest available photos, it seems like she broke in two in midship area, hull having vertical cracks both portside and stb, throughout freeboard and below waterline.
Container ship SHAHRAZ and bulk carrier SAMUDRA SAKTI I are reported to run aground in Singapore Strait south of St John Island at around 1900 UTC May 10, close to each other, while proceeding in the same direction, probably trying to avoid collision. As of 0700 UTC May 11, both ships remain in the same positions, coordinates don’t change. SHAHRAZ is en route from Port Klang to Yangshan China, SAMUDRA SAKTI I is en route from Belawan to Bayah, southwest Java.
UPDATE May 11 1100 UTC: I’ve received photos from Captain of the ship which passed grounded ships, obviously there was a collision, container ship sustaining hull breach and cracks portside. Judging from photo, SHAHRAZ hull integrity may be compromised.