Algeciras Maritime Captaincy activated this Tuesday as part of the National Maritime Plan after a collision last night off Gibraltar. In the ensuing operations, authorities instructed the damaged ship OS 35 to make a controlled landing to prevent further hazards in the harbor area.
Officials from the Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda stated that the plan’s launch involved Marine Rescue teams coordinating with Gibraltar authorities to manage safety actions following the incident.
Salvamento Marítimo dispatched units to the vicinity of the vessels. The Salvamar Denebola was on scene with sea lights and the Helimer 222 helicopter, continuing its monitoring duties. Gibraltar established a 400-meter anti-pollution barrier to contain any potential spill during the response.
The grounded ship carried 183 tons of heavy fuel oil, 250 tons of diesel, and 27 tons of mineral oil. It lightly collided with another vessel bound for Vlissingen, Netherlands, as it departed from the port of Gibraltar.
In danger of sinking, the vessel was guided toward the eastern face of the Rock, where it washed ashore and its bow lies submerged about 1.2 meters below the waterline to shield the seabed from environmental damage.
hydraulic fluid leak
The Government of Gibraltar reported a hydraulic fluid leak in the Gulf of Algeciras, following the collision with the LNG tanker ADAM LNG. A sea barrier was placed around the OS35 to contain pollution, and authorities pursued measures aimed at minimizing leaks at their source and preventing spread. The plan emphasized containment and collection of the liquid to protect the sea.
The Gibraltar Port Authority continues technical planning with experts and rescue teams to begin salvaging the ship. The crew remains safe and in good condition, with the bow section partially submerged due to the collision.
Operations were expected to resume with refueling of essential systems on board as soon as possible.
That afternoon, Gibraltar Port Authority confirmed a hydraulic fluid leak from the ship’s bow crane, one of four cranes on board affected by water ingress after hull damage was detected.
A sea barrier remained around the vessel to contain pollution. An additional absorbent boom surrounded the crane structure to minimize leakage at the source and to trap and collect liquid, preventing it from entering the sea, according to rock authorities.
Officials stated that the technical and operational planning would continue through the night to ensure a safe recovery with minimal environmental risk and as quickly as feasible. [Citation: Government of Gibraltar]