AsiaDry CargoOperations

Malaysian Bulk Carriers vessel evacuated, one seafarer dead

Kuala Kumpur: A Malaysian Bulk Carriers bulk carrier, MV Alam Manis (55,652 dwt, built 2007) was evacuated at sea yesterday due to severe listing, with one of the crew members killed in the process.

Alam Manis was heading from Loreto Dinagat, Philippines en route to Lianyungang, China with 21 Filipino crew members on board and a cargo of 53,795 metric tonnes of bulk nickel ore. Last Wednesday, while approximately 225 nautical miles south east of Taiwan, the vessel started to list when cargo in two of the holds started to shift in heavy weather conditions.

A salvage tug, Salviscount, was immediately despatched to assist the vessel to proceed to the nearest port of refuge, and with the tug the vessel proceeded on the safest course towards San Fernando in north Luzon.

However yesterday around 3pm the listing worsened to 20 degrees starboard and by 5pm a decision was made to evacuate ship. With the assistance of the Salviscount, all 21 crew have been accounted for however one was killed.

Kuok Khoon Kuan, CEO of Malaysian Bulk Carriers, said: “We are deeply saddened that one of our colleagues onboard the Alam Manis has lost his life during an emergency situation on the ship. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones and are providing immediate assistance to the family following such a terrible loss. We are relieved that all others on board are now safe.”

The company said that arrangements are being made to stabilise the vessel and discharge the cargo before sending it to a repair yard. It will also undertake an internal investigation and cooperate fully with the appropriate authorities investigating the incident.

When contacted by Splash, a spokesperson for Malaysian Bulk Carriers could not confirm the manner of the crew member’s death.

Grant Rowles

Grant spent nine years at Informa Group based in London, Sydney, Hong Kong and Singapore. He gained strong management experience in publishing, conferences and awards schemes in the shipping and legal areas, working on a number of titles including Lloyd's List. In 2009 Grant joined Seatrade responsible for the commercial development of Seatrade’s Asia products. In 2012, with Sam Chambers, he co-founded Asia Shipping Media.
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