A bulk carrier was underway and the crew were cleaning cargo holds in preparation for the next loading port. The bosun and four deck crew began by moving a ‘mucking winch’ to the sludge hatch of one of the cargo holds.

Crew on a bulk carrier in port were planning a transfer of heavy fuel oil from a storage tank to fuel oil settling tank no.1 (FOST-1). The fourth engineer and an oiler were tasked with this job.

The main engine on a bulk carrier was switched over to very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO) to comply with regulations. Once the engine was operating on VLSFO, the sludge discharge line of the oil separator frequently clogged, generating a ‘separator fail’ alarm on the alarm panel.

A general cargo vessel was loading scrap metal using a shore grab. Although the cargo declaration specified ‘scrap metal’, in practice there were other elements of refuse in the scrap metal stockpile.

Container ship under way was stopped and drifting at sea due to port congestion at the next destination. The OOW was supported by another crewmember as lookout.

On July 12, 2021, the bulk carrier Jalma Topic was transiting upriver on the Lower Mississippi River when it lost steering and struck a stationary barge that was being used for office space. No injuries were reported.

Six of the derailed hopper cars entered the river. Two train personnel sustained minor injuries. During a transit downriver, strong wind gusts made the situation unsafe for the Baxter Southern to continue the voyage as planned.

The crewman immediately brought to the accommodation and given first aid. After consulting the company doctor, he was started on a course of antibiotics as a precautionary measure.

A VLCC in ballast was approaching port for anchoring. The pilot was confirmed for 10:00. Weather conditions were good with a northerly wind of about 10 knots.