Panama-flagged bulk carrier Glory Hongkong sprung a leak while on its way to St Petersburg, the Finnish Border Guard’s maritime rescue center based in Helsinki informed on Thursday, March 8.
The cargo ship, manned by 22 seafarers, sent a distress call around noon local time saying that water had been leaking into the engine room. The reported water depth was approximately 5 meters.
At the time of the incident, the cargo ship was in international waters to the west of Suursaari (Gogland) island, the Gulf of Finland.
Arctia Oy’s icebreaker Nordica, which was located closest to the scene, reached the bulk carrier first to render assistance.
The border guard also dispatched to the scene a maritime SAR helicopter, as well as patrol vessel Tursas.
Based on the report, the engine room doors are tightly closed, preventing the water from leaking into other areas. The water is reported to be leaking into the engine room from the bilge well.
The 40,000 dwt bulk carrier, built in 2012, is not in the danger of grounding and its crew members are reported to be safe, the report added.
“At this stage, grounding is not suspected. The situation on the ship is stable. Even if the compartment were flooded, the ship does not risk sinking,” the border guard said.
However, as a precaution measure the border guard said it was on standby should there be a need for emergency evacuation of the crew from the stricken vessel.