In the early hours of December 3, a collision was reported in the Strait of Gibraltar between the crude oil tanker, the Gloria Maris , and the HMM ST Petersburg , one of the largest container ships in the world. The incident occurred approximately 8.9 miles southeast of Algeciras, Spain, causing damage to the lateral structures of both vessels, although there were no injuries and no risk of cargo spillage.
The vessels involved: HMM ST Petersburg and Gloria Maris
The collision involved 25 crew members on board the Gloria Maris, a Suezmax crude oil tanker, and 24 crew members on board the HMM ST Petersburg, which is part of a series of 12 sister ships operated by HMM. Both vessels were inspected by their respective crews, who confirmed there was no risk of sinking.
The Gloria Maris had recently unloaded 147,564 tons of crude oil in Cartagena, and was traveling without cargo when the accident occurred. The HMM ST Petersburg, meanwhile, was operating on the FE4 route between Northern China and Northern Europe.
The Rescue Coordination Centre in Tarifa received the alert at 5:20 am, prompting the immediate mobilisation of rescue services. Salvamento Marítimo sent the rescue vessels Luz de Mar and Salvamar Denébola to the scene to secure the situation and check on the well-being of the crew.
Both vessels were moved to anchorage A in Algeciras Bay, and the Maritime Authority of Algeciras ordered the retention of both vessels while more thorough inspections were carried out on the causes of the accident and the safety of the vessels.
The HMM ST Petersburg is one of the largest container ships in the world, with a capacity of 24,000 TEUs and a length of almost 400 meters. This vessel is part of the series of 12 sister ships of HMM, the South Korean airline, specialized in maritime transport. The Gloria Maris, registered under the flag of Liberia, is a Suezmax tanker with a capacity of 156,620 dwt. These types of tankers are designed to transport large volumes of crude oil and operate mainly on international routes.
Maritime authorities in Algeciras have indicated that safety inspections will continue over the next few days to determine the exact causes of the collision. Both vessels remain safely anchored in the bay while this process is carried out.
Early in the morning, collision between the tanker Gloria Maris, with 25 crew members, and the container ship HMM ST Petersburg, with 24 crew members, near the bay of #Algeciras . The ship Luz de Mar and the Salvamar Denébola are mobilized. There are no injuries.
— MARITIME RESCUE (@salvamentogob) December 3, 2024
HMM ST Petersburg… pic.twitter.com/PuatFzFWcc
This incident highlights the importance of strict maritime safety measures on one of the world’s busiest shipping routes. Thorough inspections and ongoing monitoring will help ensure any risks can be identified and future accidents prevented.
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Source: Maritime Rescue of Spain / Via X
Photo: Shutterstock
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