Freighter Grounding Causes Fuel Spill Near El Quseir, Egypt

On Friday, the coastal freighter VSG Glory ran aground on a reef off El Quseir on the Red Sea coast of Egypt, causing an unknown amount of fuel to spill. The 300-foot vessel was en route from Hodeidah, Yemen to Port Tawfiq, Egypt, carrying 70 tonnes of fuel oil. It had been loitering in the Red Sea for over a month, traveling at slow speeds and changing course frequently. After drifting west, the ship grounded on a reef near the tourism destination of El Quseir, prompting the safe evacuation of all 21 crew members.

The grounding occurred near upscale resorts, causing a light contamination of the beach. Responders quickly installed pollution control boom around the vessel to contain the spill. The VSG Glory, an 8,000 tonne freighter built in 1994, is registered under the Comoros flag and operated by a company in Basrah, Iraq. It has a history of deficiencies in port state control inspections, including issues with oil accumulation, fire system maintenance, food provisions, officer qualifications, and accommodation health standards.

Local environmental groups reported flooding in the vessel’s engine room and visible signs of damage to the stern. The incident highlights the potential environmental risks associated with maritime accidents and the importance of prompt response and containment measures. The VSG Glory’s history of deficiencies raises concerns about its operational safety and compliance with international maritime regulations.

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