Authorities in the British overseas territory, located on the southern tip of the Iberian peninsula, say the port closed for four hours after the collision, but it has since fully reopened.
“The Gibraltar Port Authority remains at the scene and is continuously reviewing all aspects of the situation,” the Gibraltar government said in a statement.
Booms have been deployed around the beached vessel OS 35, which was sailing under the Tuvalu flag, to prevent any potential fuel spill.
OS 35, which was reportedly loaded with steel bars and over 400 tonnes offuel, clipped the tanker Adam LNG as the former was moving to exit the bay.
Shortly after the collision occurred, the Gibraltar Port Authority directed the OS 35 to the eastern edge of the port. The vessel was then safely beached to minimise any risk of it sinking.
Developments in respect of Bulk Carrier OS
The situation at present remains stable with the Bulk Carrier OS 35 currently beached on the Eastside, in an area approximately just over 200m off Catalan Bay.
Full statement: /XGs72h8oVo
— HM Govt of Gibraltar (@GibraltarGov) August 30, 2022
The Marshall Islands-flagged Adam LNG, which had arrived in Gibraltar after unloading in Malta, remains at anchor near the collision site.
The 24-strong crew aboard OS 35 are remaining onboard at the captain’s request, but can be evacuated if required. No injuries have been reported among the crew, and an internal survey by divers confirms there has been no water ingress.
Adam LNG
A statement issued by the Gibraltarian Government says: “A survey inspection by a specialist team of divers this morning has confirmed that the OS 35’s bulbous bow is currently submerged 1.2 metres into the sandy seabed.
“There is significant damage to the vessel’s starboard side, including a gash amidships, below the waterline, measuring approximately 10 metres by four metres.”
The government adds that Adam LNG appears to have suffered no significant damage, except for a superficial dent to its bulbous bow.
OS 35 is a Tuvalu-flagged cargo vessel (Image: Gibraltar Government)
The Gibraltar Port Authority says it currently has two tugs and three service craft deployed to the scene, assisted by Salvamento Maritimo, ready to react to any incident that may develop.
“The Port of Algeciras is working in close coordination with the Gibraltar Port Authority, and has also been authorised to deploy assets, including a Salvamento Maritimo helicopter to undertake an aerial survey of the OS 35.”
