Working Conditions Aboard the Devbulk-Sadiye

On the afternoon of August 29, 2017, a significant maritime incident unfolded in the Sunda Strait, just off the coast of Merak in northwest Java. The collision involved three vessels: two bulk carriers, 'Srikandi Indonesia' and 'Maestro Diamond', alongside the tanker 'Angel No. 1'. Details surrounding the cause of the accident remain uncertain, but all three ships sustained damage during the encounter. Following the incident, the 'Maestro Diamond' drifted in the northern Sunda Strait, while the 'Srikandi Indonesia' successfully anchored at Merak Anchorage. Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances that led to this unusual maritime mishap.

In a remarkable salvage operation, the bulk carrier Maestro Diamond was successfully refloated early on October 11, 2023, at 1 a.m. The operation involved three reliable tugboats: Kiel, Taucher Otto Wulf 5, and Svitzer Thor, which initiated their efforts the previous evening around 9 p.m. After several hours of exertion, the skilled crew managed to pull the vessel free. Following the refloating, the Maestro Diamond was directed towards Kalundborg for comprehensive hull inspections by divers, arriving at approximately 1 p.m. on the same day. During the journey, the vessel was escorted by the dedicated tugs Svitzer Thor and Marie Miljø. Initial assessments indicated that the bulk carrier had sustained some dents in the fuel tank region; however, there were no signs of breaches. As a precautionary measure, the crew had already pumped fuel into safer, more secure tanks, effectively eliminating the risk of an oil spill. After the scheduled hull inspections were completed, the Maestro Diamond continued its original route, departing from Kalundborg to resume its voyage from Klaipeda, with an estimated arrival in New Orleans set for November 3, 2023.

On the evening of October 10, 2023, salvage operations are set to commence for the bulk carrier 'Maestro Diamond' as the tug 'Kiel' is joined by 'Taucher Otto Wulf 5' and 'Svitzer Thor' in a crucial refloating attempt. The operation is dependent on suitable water levels at the grounding site, which currently has a depth of 10 meters. The 'Maestro Diamond', carrying a cargo of 34,000 tons of fertilizer, has a draft of 11 meters, necessitating the upcoming effort during peak tide conditions expected between 9 PM and 3 AM on October 11. Prior to the refloating, an assessment of the vessel’s seaworthiness must be completed. On October 9, the 'Mette Miljø' conducted a survey of the grounded ship, revealing dented but intact fuel tanks. To prevent any potential leakage during the refloating, oil was successfully transferred into other tanks. Furthermore, the support vessel 'Marie Miljø' is currently on-site to assist with the operation. The exact cause of the grounding remains under investigation.