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----------UPDATE ----------
6 February 2025
* Further to our last Update concerning container ship ASL BAUHINIA (IMO:9935868) which experienced an explosion and fire whilst navigating the southern Red Sea on 27 January 2025, it is reported that the vessel ran aground in the region of the Dahlak Archipelago, east of Eritrea, on 2 February 2025.
* The vessel now seems to be afloat but is reported still to be on fire.
* We understand that Eritrean Authorities have granted permission for salvors to attempt to salvage the vessel.
* As previously advised, Salvage Security will be required to be provided by a party acceptable to the Salvors or the Council of Lloyd’s on behalf of cargo interests at the termination of the salvage services and we may be able to assist in that regard. Security provided by WKW is acceptable to the Council of Lloyd’s and widely preferred by professional Salvors.
* It is very likely that shipowners will also declare General Average. If so, General Average security will also be required from all Cargo Interests prior to the delivery of their cargo, and we are likely to be able to assist in that regard also.
*We have retained a fire expert to investigate the cause of the fire and cargo surveyors are on hand to assess any loss or damage to cargo as and when required. Indeed, we have already been instructed by certain Cargo Insurers and we may therefore be able to offer certain economies of scale in respect of any third party costs which may need to be incurred in those regards.
* We therefore recommend that you contact us urgently if you are concerned with any cargo on board this vessel so that we can immediately start taking steps to protect your interests.
----------SALVAGE SECURITY REQUIRED ----------
30 January 2025.
* We have received further information concerning containership ASL BAUHINIA (IMO:9935868) that experienced an explosion and fire whilst navigating the southern Red Sea on 27 January 2025.
* Salvage services are currently being rendered to the vessel by professional salvors under LOF terms.
* Consequently, Salvage Security will now be required to be provided by a party acceptable to the Salvors or the Council of Lloyd’s on behalf of cargo interests and we may be able to assist in that regard. Security provided by WKW is acceptable to the Council of Lloyd’s and widely preferred by professional Salvors.
* It is likely that General Average will also be declared. If so, General Average security will also be required from all Cargo Interests prior to the delivery of their cargo, and we are likely to be able to assist in that regard also.
* We therefore recommend that you contact us urgently if you are concerned with any cargo on board this vessel so that we can immediately start taking steps to protect your interests.
----------ORIGINAL-----------
* We have received reports that containership ASL BAUHINIA (IMO: 9935868) experienced an explosion and fire whilst navigating the southern Red Sea approximately 122 nautical miles northwest of Hodeidah, Yemen, on 27 January 2025.
* Early reports indicate that the vessel is ablaze with flames and thick smoke emanating from the fore of the ship.
* All the crew have abandoned the vessel and were safely rescued by a nearby vessel.
* It is likely that General Average / Salvage and Recovery issues will arise as a result of this incident.
* If General Average is declared, General Average security may be required from all Cargo Interests prior to the delivery of their cargo and we are likely to be able to assist in that regard.
* Salvage Security may also be required to be provided by a party acceptable to the Salvors or the Council of Lloyd’s on behalf of cargo interests and we may also be able to assist. Security provided by WKW is acceptable to the Council of Lloyd’s and widely preferred by professional Salvors.
* A cargo surveyor and our Cargo claims teams are on standby to address any cargo claims with which Underwriters may be concerned. We have also retained a Forensic expert and we may be able to offer certain economies of scale in respect of any third party costs which may need to be incurred to investigate the cause of the fire.
* We therefore recommend that you contact us urgently if you are concerned with any cargo on board this vessel so that we can immediately start taking steps to protect your interests. |
