Bryant’s Maritime Blog–23 February 2011

Headlines: Indian Ocean – S/V Quest recaptured, four American & four pirates dead; Cincinnati – alcohol leak from barge; Long Beach – diesel oil spilled during internal transfer; New Orleans – Asian Gypsy Moth egg mass discovered; San Francisco – disposal of Hunters point Naval Shipyard; EPA – improving EPA regulations; BOEMRE – workshop on new offshore regulations; ReCAAP – January report; New Zealand – earthquake leads to closed offices; and Ross Sea – adventurers missing.

February 23, 2011

Bryant’s Maritime Blog
Bryant’s Maritime Consulting - 4845 SW 91^st Way - Gainesville, FL 32608-8135 - USA

Tel: 1-352-692-5493 – Email: dennis.l.bryant@gmail.com – Internet: http://brymar-consulting.com

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Indian Ocean – S/V Quest recaptured, four Americans & four pirates dead

The US Central Command issued a news release stating that gunfire broke out on board the hijacked sailing vessel Quest as negotiations were ongoing to secure the release of the four American hostages. US forces responded and found all four US citizens dead. During the boarding, the reaction forces were engaged by pirates on the vessel. Two pirates died during the confrontation and thirteen were captured and detained, along with two pirates already in US Forces custody. The US Forces also found the remains of two other pirates already dead aboard the S/V Quest. It is believed that a total of 19 pirates were involved in the hijacking of the Quest. The Department of Defense (DOD) issued a second news release expanding upon and clarifying the first. On February 21, two of the pirates had boarded one of the US Navy warships in order to continue the negotiations. On the morning of February 22, while negotiations were ongoing, a rocket-propelled grenade was fired from the Quest. Immediately thereafter, gunfire erupted from inside the cabin of the sailboat. Several pirates raised their hands in an apparent surrender. US special operations forces boarded the vessel. They discovered the four Americans (shot by their captors) and two dead pirates. While clearing the vessel, the US personnel were confronted by two pirates. One was killed with a pistol and the second in a knife fight. The US forces suffered no injuries. (2/22/11). Very, very tragic!

Cincinnati – alcohol leak from barge

The US Coast Guard issued a news release stating that it is responding to a leak of isopropyl alcohol from a barge in the Ohio River near Cincinnati. A temporary patch has been placed over the leak. The incident is under investigation. (2/21/11).

Long Beach – diesel oil spilled during internal transfer

The US Coast Guard issued a news release stating that it is responding to the discharge of approximately 710 gallons of diesel oil from a vessel moored in the Port of Long Beach. The discharge apparently occurred during an internal an internal transfer. The incident is under investigation. (2/22/11).

New Orleans – Asian Gypsy Moth egg mass discovered

The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a news release stating that its personnel discovered an egg mass of the Asian Gypsy Moth (AGM) on a bulk carrier arriving in New Orleans from Japan with a prior call in China. The ship has been restricted at anchorage and will undergo decontamination. (2/22/11). Note: This item was brought to my attention by my good friend John Bennett of Maritime Protective Services.

San Francisco – disposal of Hunters Point Naval Shipyard

The Department of the Navy issued a notice stating that it prepared a Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for the disposal and reuse of Hunters Point Naval Shipyard. A meeting to receive public comments on the document will be held in San Francisco on March 15. 76 Fed. Reg. 10012 (February 23, 2011).

EPA – improving EPA regulations

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking input on the design of a plan to use for periodic retrospective review of its regulations. A public meeting will be held in Arlington, Virginia on March 14. Written comments should be submitted by March 20. 76 Fed. Reg. 9988 (February 23, 2011).

BOEMRE – workshop on new offshore regulations

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation, and Enforcement (BOEMRE) issued a press release stating that it will conduct a public workshop in New Orleans on March 15 to discuss new requirements for offshore oil and gas companies to develop and implement Safety and Environmental Management Systems (SEMS) and incorporate them into the operator’s overall management system. (2/22/11).

ReCAAP – January report

The ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre issued its Report for January 2011. During the month, nine incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships were reported in Asia. Of these, seven were actual incidents and two were attempted incidents. During January 2010, twelve incidents were reported. While incidents in Indonesia have declined, incidents reported in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore have increased. (2/22/11).

New Zealand – earthquake leads to closed offices

The New Zealand Customs Service issued a media release stating that its Christchurch Client Services is closed until further notice due to the earthquake. (2/22/11).

Ross Sea – adventurers missing

Maritime New Zealand issued a media release stating that it is coordinating search efforts in the Ross Sea for the sailboat Berserk which activated its distress beacon. The sailboat had dropped off two explorers on the Antarctic mainland in an attempt to reach the South Pole. The sailboat got caught in extreme weather, which is hampering the search. (2/23/11).

If you have questions regarding the above items, please contact the editor:

Dennis L. Bryant

Bryant’s Maritime Consulting

4845 SW 91^st Way
Gainesville, FL 32608-8135

USA

1-352-692-5493
dennis.l.bryant@gmail.com

http://brymar-consulting.com

© Dennis L. Bryant – February 2011

Redistribution permitted with attribution