The Sigma Pearl oil tanker, flying the Marshall Islands flag, encountered problems on October 27, 2023, while trying to escape a severe storm and has run aground off the eastern coast of India. After discharging its sulfur cargo at the port of Visakhapatnam, it was heading towards Singapore when it faced propulsion issues.
Problems Faced by the Tanker During the Storm
The Sigma Pearl oil tanker, measuring 180 meters in length and with a gross weight of 32,688 tons, was driven towards the shore due to the severe storm and strong winds while en route to Singapore. Officials at Visakhapatnam port reported that the tanker was trying to escape the storm after discharging its cargo when it lost control due to technical problems and ran aground.
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Consequences of the Storm and Rescue Operations
This storm, which made landfall in the early hours of Wednesday, has been accompanied by winds of 125 to 135 kilometers per hour and severe storms. As the storm passed the coasts, local authorities began rescue operations for the tanker’s crew, and reports indicate that all individuals on board are unharmed.
Due to this incident, loading and unloading operations at several ports, including Visakhapatnam and Kakinada, have been suspended, and emergency teams have been dispatched to rescue individuals trapped in the Kakinada port warehouses. Additionally, air travel and rail services have also been halted due to the storm.
Officials have stated that after the storm's intensity decreases, planning for the rescue and recovery of the Sigma Pearl tanker will commence. This incident highlights serious challenges for maritime transport under severe weather conditions and the need for greater preparedness for natural disasters.
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