U.S. Coast Guard Holds Carrier for Violations
The U.S. Coast Guard detained the Ikan Sudip, a Panamanian-flagged 600-foot bulk carrier, after discovering significant environmental and safety violations during an inspection in Astoria.
The violations included a failure to use engineering procedures required by U.S. and international law, a lack of crew familiarity with emergency rescue drills, deficient structural fire boundary doors, and inoperable lifesaving equipment, according to the Coast Guard.
Vessel inspectors from the Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit (MSU) in Portland discovered the discrepancies during an inspection of the motor vessel, which was built in 2004.
“The Ikan Sudip’s safety and environmental conditions posed an unacceptable threat to our waterways,” Capt. Dan Travers, the commanding officer of Coast Guard Sector Columbia River and captain of the port for Oregon and Southern Washington, said in a statement. “We are focused on ensuring that all issues are corrected by fixing the discrepancies and removing the risks found on board the vessel.”
The Ikan Sudip had experienced two fuel-related propulsion losses that disabled the carrier at sea last week, according to the Coast Guard. The carrier had been expelled from U.S. waters until the main engine’s fuel system was repaired.
Ikan Sudip is a bulk carrier, which is scheduled to load potash in Portland and will depart for Brazil after the safety violations have been corrected.