An explosion has been reported on a UK-flagged bulker off the coast of the US.
Claims consultancy WK Webster said it had received reports of a cargo hold blast on UK owner Anglo International Shipping’s 115,000-dwt mini-capesize Anglo Marie Louise (built 2011) near Norfolk on Wednesday.
The vessel, technically managed by Anglo-Eastern in Germany, was anchored off the port on Friday morning.
WK Webster said reports indicated the vessel was 150 nautical miles (278 km) east of the coast when the incident occurred.
Damage has been sustained to the No.1 and No.2 cargo hatches.
The vessel remains seaworthy and was able to return to Chesapeake Bay under its own power.
The consultancy said it is possible that general average and recovery issues may arise.
The bulker had left Baltimore on 11 November.
Earlier this year, the ship was involved in a near-miss with a cargo wharf in New Orleans, according to The Advocate.
The newspaper reported that the US Coast Guard (USCG) had launched an investigation into the incident, which took place on 27 March, and was due to a loss of power.
Collision prevented
Two tugs prevented a collision, the report said, citing ship tracking data.
The USCG said there were also allegations that the day before, the bulker, docked in Convent, was also nearly hit by another vessel that had also lost power.
A USCG spokesperson told the Advocate that he acknowledged that both incidents occurred and would be investigated.
The Anglo Marie Louise has insurance through the NorthStandard protection and indemnity club.
The ship has not been detained by port state control officials since 2020.
The most recent checks have not shown any deficiencies.
Anglo International and Anglo Eastern have been contacted for comment.
