One Of The World’s Largest Container Ships Collides With Tanker Off Algeciras, Both Vessels Detained

Gloria Maris — Screengrab from X video posted by SALVAMENTO MARÍTIMO

A major collision occurred in the Strait of Gibraltar, about 8.9 miles southeast of Algeciras, Spain. The incident involved two large vessels, the crude oil tanker Gloria Maris and the container ship HMM St Petersburg.

No injuries or environmental damage have been reported per Spain’s maritime rescue service, SALVAMENTO MARÍTIMO.

The collision happened around 5:20 a.m. local time. The Gloria Maris, registered in Liberia, had just offloaded 147,564 tonnes of crude oil in Cartagena on November 30 and was sailing empty (in ballast) towards the Atlantic.

The ship had 25 crew members onboard. The HMM St Petersburg, registered in South Korea, is one of the largest containerships in the world, with a capacity of 23,964 TEU.

It was carrying 24 crew members and was heading to Europe after a six-week journey from Yantian, China. It had diverted around Africa and skipped a scheduled stop in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Rescue teams immediately arrived at the scene, sending two patrol boats to assess the situation. Initial inspections revealed structural damage to both vessels.

De madrugada, colisión entre el buque tanque Gloria Maris, 25 tripulantes, y el portacontenedores HMM ST Petersburg, 24 tripulantes, en las proximidades de la bahía de #Algeciras. Se moviliza el buque Luz de Mar y la Salvamar Denébola. No hay heridos.

El HMM ST Petersburg… pic.twitter.com/PuatFzFWcc

— SALVAMENTO MARÍTIMO (@salvamentogob) December 3, 2024

Video Credits: SALVAMENTO MARÍTIMO/X

Photos showed the Gloria Maris with a crushed bow, while the HMM St Petersburg had a noticeable dent on its starboard side near the bridge and deckhouse.

Despite the damage, both ships remained seaworthy.

Authorities allowed the HMM St Petersburg to proceed to its berth in the Port of Algeciras, while the Gloria Maris was directed to an anchorage point for further inspection.

The Maritime Captaincy of Algeciras has detained both vessels to investigate and determine the exact cause of the collision.

SALVAMENTO MARÍTIMO shared a video showing the extent of the damage to the Gloria Maris. They confirmed that there was no oil spillage or other pollutants and that the crew of both vessels were safe.

Officials say that thorough safety checks will be conducted before either ship is allowed to leave Algeciras.

Both companies involved are cooperating fully with the investigation, and authorities are working to clarify the circumstances that led to this accident.

References: World Cargo News, Gibraltar Chronicle

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