What Crew Members Say About Meridian-Express

In a notable maritime incident, the tanker 'Meridian Express' collided with the bulk carrier 'Southern Light' on January 23, 2018, at 10:40 PM. This incident took place in the Gibraltar West Anchorage within the Bay of Algeciras. At the time of the collision, the 'Meridian Express' was departing Gibraltar anchorage while sailing in ballast, and the 'Southern Light,' loaded with yellow corn, was anchored in place. Following the crash, the bulk carrier lost its starboard anchor and sustained damage, including a dent on her starboard bow. On the other hand, the 'Meridian Express' incurred significant damage as well, with a gash measuring approximately five meters long on the port side bow underneath the waterline and another gash of about two meters on the port side foreship. The tanker had recently arrived from Lagos earlier that same day and appeared to have struck the anchored bulk carrier while maneuvering. For visual reference, you can view photos of the incident at these links: [Photo 1](http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=2803657) and [Photo 2](http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=2803637).

On January 5, 2018, at 6:15 a.m., during ship-to-ship (STS) operations, the vigilant crew of the 'Meridian Express' encountered an alarming situation when they spotted two robbers on the upper deck close to the forecastle. The coordinates of the incident were recorded at 06°17.80'N, 003°19.70'E, off the coast of Nigeria. Upon noticing the intrusion, the crew swiftly activated the alarm and assembled for a defensive response. The prompt action exhibited by the crew deterred the robbers, who promptly abandoned their mission and fled the scene by jumping overboard, leaving without any loot. The attempted robbery was subsequently reported to the Nigerian Navy for further investigation.