Working Conditions Aboard the Flag-Gangos

On September 1, 2025, at 9:25 a.m., the Singapore-flagged tanker 'Marine Dynamo' (IMO: 9956719) was involved in a collision with the vessel 'Flag Gangos' approximately eight kilometers south of Tanah Merah. Fortunately, both vessels remained stable throughout the incident, with all crew members reported safe. A crew member on board the 'Marine Dynamo' sustained minor injuries consisting of bruises and sprains, and was receiving treatment on the ship. In the aftermath, light oil sheens were observed around the 'Marine Dynamo' due to a spillage of marine gas oil (MGO) from a service tank situated above the waterline. The oil is expected to evaporate and break down rapidly in the marine environment. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) quickly responded by deploying patrol and spill-response crafts to manage the situation, including efforts to disperse the oil sheens. Drones have also been dispatched for aerial monitoring of the area. A navigational broadcast was issued to alert passing vessels, maintaining that there was no detriment to navigational safety. The MPA has initiated an investigation into the collision. At the time of the incident, the 'Marine Dynamo' was anchored at coordinates 01° 11' N 103° 46' E, while the 'Flag Gangos' was located at 01° 17' N 104° 02' E.

On January 22, 2024, the cargo vessel 'Flag Gangos' was taken into custody at Chittagong Port, Bangladesh. The shipping agents for the vessel reported that it remains under arrest, pending a judicial release order that would allow it to continue its journey to Mongla Port for the discharge of its remaining coal shipment. The vessel is loaded with a total of 46,232 tonnes of imported coal, of which only 27,500 tonnes have been successfully unloaded at Chittagong. The outstanding coal is scheduled for delivery at Mongla Port. In order to secure the release of the 'Flag Gangos', the vessel's owner must comply with certain requirements, including a court release order and necessary clearances from customs officials. This situation highlights ongoing challenges within the shipping industry and trade logistics in the region.

The bustling Mississippi River has returned to normal operations following a collision involving the bulk carrier "Flag Gangos", which struck both the "Pamisos" and the barge "Web 235" during transfer activities at the International Matex Tank Terminals. The incident led to a minor oil spill as the barge became dislodged, resulting in damage to both the "Pamisos" and the barge, though fortunately, there were no reported injuries. To manage the situation, the Coast Guard swiftly deployed an oil boom and instituted one-way traffic control around the International Matex Tank Terminals, located near Gretna. As of August 13 at 2 p.m., river traffic has been completely restored with the "Flag Gangos" no longer obstructing navigation. The Coast Guard remains engaged in an investigation of this maritime incident. For a detailed report with photos, visit: http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2014/08/traffic_on_mississippi_river_r.html

A significant incident occurred late on August 12, 2014, when the downbound vessel 'Flag Gangos', carrying a cargo of grain, experienced a loss of power and steering, leading to a collision with the tanker 'Pamisos' and the tank barge 'Web 235'. Both the tanker and the barge were securely docked at the International Matex Tank Terminals, located at river mile 97.4 near Gretna, during fuel transfer operations. The collision unfolded around 11 p.m. as the tugboat 'Capt. Shawn D. Martinez' was engaged in the transfer of number six fuel oil from the barge. Unfortunately, the barge broke loose during the process, resulting in a discharge of oil into the Mississippi River from the transfer hose. Quick action was taken, and the transfer hose was immediately shut off after the incident. Emergency responders promptly arrived at the scene, deploying containment booms to manage the spill. Fortunately, both the 'Pamisos' and the 'Web 235' sustained damage; however, no injuries were reported. In response to the situation, the Coast Guard Captain of the Port New Orleans mandated one-way traffic in the vicinity of the International Matex Tank Terminals. Assistance arrived from the Coast Guard Station New Orleans and the Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans, which deployed an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew to the area. As of 12:30 p.m. on August 13, the 'Flag Gangos', which had suffered a considerable hole in its bow, was left anchored in the river. Consequently, river traffic was completely halted as additional tugboats were dispatched to secure the disabled vessels. Local authorities, including the Gretna police and Jefferson Parish Emergency Management, conducted safety inspections of the city's water intake system, confirming that the water supply remained safe. The closure of the river extended from mile marker 96 to mile marker 98 due to the ongoing recovery efforts.