Stricken tankers and crew reported safe in UAE waters

The two tankers and their crew involved in dangerous strikes while transiting the Strait of Hormuz last Thursday arrived safely on Sunday at locations off the United Arab Emirates.

BSM Ship Management’s managed vessel Kokuka Courageous is now at anchorage at Kalba with damage assessment and preparation for ship-to-ship transfer cargo set to commence once port authorities have completed standard security checks and formalities.

Meanwhile, Frontline’s Front Altair arrived under tow at a Fujairah anchorage on Sunday. First inspections are under way and no hot spots have been identified following the fire.

Following a full assessment of the condition of the Front Altair a decision will be made on ship-to-ship transfer of the cargo onboard.

Robert Macleod, CEO of Frontline Management, commented Sunday: “The general area of the strait of Hormuz represents a real and very serious risk to shipping. Ships must continue to passage the area, but all precautions must be put in place.”

Splash will be bringing in-depth reports on the growing Middle East tanker tension all week.