GIFF JOHNSON
A deteriorating cargo vessel laden with iron ore stuck in Majuro’s lagoon could sink with little warning, a report for the RMI government indicates.
Following a US Coast Guard assessment of the MV Futun Creek cargo vessel, a summary of its findings was circulated to government officials in multiple RMI agencies two weeks ago.
The Coast Guard assessment and the RMI report summary focuses on the large bulk cargo vessel that limped into the capital atoll in January with multiple holes in its hull after departing South America for China. The vessel has remained in port Majuro since and according to the Coast Guard assessment is not be fit for ocean travel in its present condition. It very possibly is not fit even to stay above water.
Pacific International Inc. made hull repairs after the vessel arrived in January. But the vessel has not moved from Majuro since and continues deteriorating.
It represents a potential serious environmental threat to the marine environment of Majuro Atoll if it were to sink. With an international crew of about 30 seafarers on board, it also represents a humanitarian and international legal challenge.
The assessment of the Futun Creek identifies significant structural deterioration, including severe corrosion and structural failure in one hold, with fractured and buckled frames, substantial cracking, and hull punctures, according to the RMI report. At least one active leak was identified by the survey.
The RMI summary said the Coast Guard assessment “further notes that continued flooding could compromise the vessel’s stability and structural integrity, potentially resulting in structural failure or its capsize with little warning.” The report said the vessels continued deterioration while in the lagoon presents additional environmental and maritime safety concerns.
Sinking the vessel is a possible option. But the ship ownership, its flag state (Panama), its insurer, cost of salvage operations as needed, repatriation of the crew and other issues are all considerations as the RMI grapples with the situation.
The RMI summary urges the government convene a multi-agency response to address the hazards posed by the Futun Creek.
A United States Coast Guard Salvage and Engineering Response Team arrived in Majuro on October 21 to assist the RMI with a technical review of a derelict vessel in the lagoon.