The 150000 DWT fully laden tanker collided with another suezmax tanker ('Trijata') off Port Said, Egypt.

The 'Genmar Kestrel' was holed (approx. damage 20 mtrs x 20 mtrs) and spilled crude oil from her cargo tank.

London, Feb 4 — Following received from Piraeus RCC, timed 2215, UTC: Master of crude oil tanker GenMar Kestrel reports everything under control.

Vessel was in collison with crude oil tanker Trijata (77387 gt, built 1991), damage to that vessel not known.

London, Feb 5 — General Maritime Management LLC reports that their managed vessel, crude oil tanker GenMar Kestrel, was reportedly struck by crude oil tanker Trijata in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Early reports indicate that the collision occurred while the vessel was en route to discharge a cargo of arab light crude oil in Italy.
There were no injuries to the crew and the engineering plant is intact and fully operational.
The Master reports that the number five starboard ballast tank is the location of the collision and that it has been penetrated.

The number seven centre cargo tank appears to also have been damaged with an estimated 6000 barrels of oil having been released.

The extent of additional damage is unknown at this time. GenMar Kestrel is not in danger and the initial list that was reported is being corrected by the crew.

General Maritime Management LLC and the technical manager of the vessel, GMM (Hellas) Ltd., Athens, Greece have contacted local authorities.
GMM (Hellas) Ltd. emergency response plans have been implemented.

SMIT Salvage was contracted by the Greek owners to perform an emergency ship to ship transfer and to protect the environment and keep the pollution as limited as possible.

2 anchor handling supply tugs from Egyptian partner where mobilised, furthermore a salvage team and portable salvage equipment was mobilised from the Netherlands.

After a 2 week salvage operation the complete cargo of the 'Genmar Kestrel' was transhipped and the vessel was redelivered to her owners in Greece.

SMIT Towage & Salvage
Address
Waalhaven O.Z. 85, 3008 PB Rotterdam,
The Netherlands, 59052
Telephone : +31 10 454 99 11 (24/7)
Fax: +31 10 454 97 77
Website: www.smit.com