Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Southern-Puma

The tanker 'Southern Puma' has successfully docked at the Exempt Dock of the Port of Algeciras on November 2, shortly after 9 am, following a collision in the Mediterranean Sea. The vessel will remain at this location until a shipyard space is available for essential hull repairs due to damage inflicted by the 'Louisa Bolten', approximately 20 miles east of Punta Europa. This incident has resulted in a leak from one of the starboard tanks. Before any repairs can commence, it is necessary to transfer the tanker's cargo to another ship, a process that will be conducted under the supervision of both the Maritime Authority and the Port Authority of Algeciras Bay (APBA). This determination will follow a detailed assessment of the 'Southern Puma'. Although the compromised tank is not presenting an immediate risk of spillage, heightened safety precautions have been implemented, including a containment barrier around the vessel to address any potential environmental threats. Environmental organization Verdemar Ecologistas en Acción has called on the Maritime Authority to evaluate the possible ecological impacts of an estimated 600 tons of paraffin that could spill into the Strait of Gibraltar. At the time of the accident, the 'Southern Puma' was en route to the refinery facilities in San Roque. The Maritime Authority reassured that the substance leaked is likely to evaporate without causing significant environmental harm. In response to the incident, Salvamento Marítimo deployed SAR vessels 'Salvamar Atria', 'Luz de Mar', and 'Salvamar Denebola' to assist the 'Louisa Bolten', which is currently located about 20 miles from Ceuta, as investigations into the circumstances surrounding the collision continue.

On November 1, 2024, at approximately 4:20 a.m., the bulk carrier 'Louisa Bolten' (IMO: 9406049) collided with the cargo vessel 'Southern Puma' while navigating approximately 20 nautical miles off Punta Europa (Lat. 36.0279 Lng. -4.9585). The 'Southern Puma,' which was traveling from Antwerp to Bilbao, reported damage on one side, while the 'Louisa Bolten,' en route from Avonmouth to Aliaga, sustained damage to its bow. Fortunately, both vessels were able to maintain safe navigation, and no injuries were reported among the crew. In response to the incident, Spain’s Salvamento Marítimo dispatched several search and rescue (SAR) vessels, including 'Luz de Mar,' 'Salvamar Denébola,' and 'Salvamar Atria,' alongside an aerial support team comprising a helicopter and a plane. As daylight broke, the helicopter 'Helimer 220' conducted a flyover and identified a small oil stain originating from the 'Southern Puma.' The 'Salvamar Denébola' took samples from this site to deliver to the Maritime Authority of Algeciras. Subsequently, an inspector from the Maritime Authority was sent to the area to assess the situation further, with plans for another aerial inspection later in the day. Currently, initial assessments indicate that neither vessel was transporting hazardous cargo that could significantly contribute to pollution. However, authorities are still awaiting detailed results to clarify the nature of the discharge. Meanwhile, the 'Louisa Bolten,' which was scheduled to arrive at Aliaga by November 6, resumed its voyage around 11 a.m. UTC but has been instructed to stay at the accident site for further evaluations. Environmental group Verdemar Ecologistas en Acción has urged the Maritime Authority to investigate the implications of a reported 600 tons of paraffin released into the Strait. The 'Southern Puma' was confirmed to be carrying paraffin intended for unloading at the newly named Moeve facilities in San Roque, Cádiz.