Collision Near Strait of Gibraltar Causes Paraffin Spill at Algeciras Port

After a collision between a bulker and a chemical tanker near the Strait of Gibraltar, white balls of solid paraffin wax have been washing ashore near the port of Algeciras, Spain. The incident occurred when the tanker Southern Puma was struck by a bulker, resulting in the release of approximately 500 cubic meters of paraffin into the water. The tanker’s AIS signal had been turned off, and the collision caused significant damage to the vessel, leading to the spillage of liquid paraffin into the sea. However, no injuries were reported, and the environmental impact is expected to be minimal as paraffin is biodegradable and solidifies rapidly at ambient temperatures.

Following the collision, the damaged Southern Puma was escorted by four tugboats to the Port of Algeciras for repairs. The tanker will need to transfer its remaining cargo to another specialized vessel before undergoing repairs in drydock. Despite the precautionary deployment of a boom around the vessel, local authorities have stated that there is no further environmental risk from the tanker. Meanwhile, the bulker Louisa Bolten involved in the collision was still sailing eastbound in the Mediterranean towards Aliaga, Turkey.

In response to the spill, the Spanish environmental group Verdemar Ecologistas en Accion has called for authorities to closely monitor the situation and assess any potential ecological impact. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maritime safety measures and the need for vessels to adhere to regulations, including the proper operation of AIS transmitters to prevent collisions at sea. The authorities will continue to oversee the cleanup efforts and ensure that any environmental damage is mitigated effectively.

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