MaltaMedia.com

Malta-flagged ship with radioactive material involved in accident

Posted on July 6th, 2009

The Malta Maritime Authority is investigating the accident involving the Malta registered MV Kapitan Lus that took place off Copenhagen, Denmark. The MMA, as the flag State Administrator, is carrying out this investigation through its appointed inspector in Denmark who is in liaison with the MMA Merchant Shipping Directorate.

The parties involved in the collision are the Maltese registered general cargo vessel Kapitan Lus and the Norwegian flagged chemical tanker Sundstraum.

The 1994-built 4,998 GT timber carrier Kapitan Lus collided last Friday with the 1993-built, 3,206 GT chemical tanker Sundstraum at approximately 1500 hours (LT) off Copenhagen port. It is reported that the Maltese ship was carrying a pilot on board.

The MMA is informed that the Maltese vessel sustained damage to her port side in way of no. 3 cargo hold. The Kapitan Lus is reported to have been carrying metal, steel coils and nine TEUs with radioactive material. The initial reports indicate that the radioactive cargo is in no. 1 cargo hold. An initial assessment does not indicate that the radioactive cargo has sustained any damage as a result of the collision.

There were no casualties and no pollution has so far been reported. Operations are underway to contain the damage. The vessel’s condition is reported to be stable.

The MMA Merchant Shipping Directorate officials are in constant contact with the International Safety Managers of the Maltese ship and the appointed inspector.

The Maltese authorities are liaising with the Danish Maritime Authority, and the Danish and Norwegian marine accident investigators in their investigation of the accident.