Working Conditions Aboard the Tambling

On the night of January 23, 2018, a significant maritime incident occurred in the Bay of Algeciras when the tanker 'Meridian Express' collided with the bulk carrier 'Southern Light' at 10:40 PM local time, in the Gibraltar West Anchorage. The 'Meridian Express', which was departing the Gibraltar anchorage while sailing in ballast, accidentally struck the 'Southern Light', which was anchored and carrying a cargo of yellow corn in bulk. The collision had immediate consequences, leading to the 'Southern Light' losing its starboard anchor and suffering a noticeable dent on her starboard bow. Meanwhile, the 'Meridian Express', which had just arrived from Lagos on the same day, incurred damage with an estimated 5-meter-long gash at the port side bow, located beneath the water line. Additionally, there was a two-meter gash near the deck on its port side. Preliminary assessments suggest that the tanker may have struck the bulk carrier during a maneuvering phase, highlighting potential concerns regarding navigational safety in busy maritime corridors.