Panamanian Cargo Ship Dura Bulk Sinks Off Laayoune, All Crew Rescued In Major SAR Operation

A Panamanian-flagged cargo vessel, Dura Bulk, sank off the coast of Laayoune on February 28, 2026, after reporting water ingress while en route to port.

Morocco’s Ministry of Transport and Logistics confirmed that all crew members were rescued safely following a search-and-rescue operation.

The vessel was carrying a cargo of loose clinker, a key raw material used in cement production, when the incident occurred near the coast of Western Sahara.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the sinking.

According to the ministry’s statement, the merchant ship reported taking on water while approaching Laayoune port.

The vessel was flying the Panamanian flag and was transporting bulk clinker at the time.

Water ingress remains one of the leading causes of bulk carrier incidents globally, often linked to hull damage, cargo shift, or structural failure.

Officials have not disclosed the exact location offshore or the technical reason behind the flooding.

The ship went down later that day.

Moroccan authorities initiated an extensive search-and-rescue (SAR) operation immediately after receiving distress information. All crew members, identified as foreign nationals, were successfully evacuated.

The rescued sailors received medical attention and were transferred to safety. No casualties or injuries have been officially reported.

The Ministry of Transport and Logistics stated it is coordinating with relevant maritime authorities to monitor the situation. An official investigation has been opened to determine the circumstances surrounding the sinking.

The incident occurred along a strategically important maritime corridor off Western Sahara. The waters near Laayoune handle commercial traffic linked to regional trade and bulk cargo movements.

References: Reuters, srnnews

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