Attempted Rescue Turns To Disaster

The Morrison Tide, a Vanuatu flagged Anchor Handling Towing Supply vessel (AHTS), was requested to assist in installing a fire curtain at a PEMEX jackup rig working offshore Mexico which had developed an oil leak due to a damaged riser. The 85 workers on the rig feared an explosion and, when their emergency breathing devices ran out, jumped overboard. The Morrison Tide proceeded to rescue the workers when a sudden wave crashed over the vessel injuring two seaman and washing two others overboard. One of those injured died, with the other sustaining multiple serious injuries. One of those washed overboard was rescued but, sadly, the other drowned. Of the 85 workers on the rig, 18 died. At the time of the incident, the seas were 9 meters high with winds gusting to 100-110 kph. We at VMSL express our most sincere condolences to the families of those who perished.

MAIIF 16  — October 15-19, 2007 in Beijing

The 16th annual meeting of the Marine Accident Investigators International Forum was held in mid-October with representatives from 30 administrations participating in the week long event. VMSL’s Don Sheetz attended on behalf of Vanuatu, remaining the only person in MAIIF history to have attended every single annual meeting. Discussions centered on collisions, groundings, fires and explosions, confined space entry, thematic studies, DRI issues, and ship losses. The next meeting is schedule for Malta in mid-2008.

Loss of Life and the Sinking of the M/V Douala Tide off South Africa

On August 23, 2007, off of South Africa, the M/V Douala Tide sank in heavy weather conditions with the loss of one life. The casualty is still being investigated but preliminary findings indicate that on-deck cargo, which may have been insufficiently secured, broke loose, aggravating an already untenable condition of stability. Steering gear failure and water ingress contributed to the capsizing and loss. Thanks to the South African Maritime Safety Authority for their investigation.

Confined Space Entry

Following a passionate speech by Sweden’s Captain Sten Andersen on the needless loss of lives due to improper confined space entry, MAIIF 16 members tasked VMSL’s Don Sheetz with the collection and dissemination of material relative to confined space entry at MAIIF’s October 15-19, 2007, meeting in Beijing in anticipation of MAIIF’s submission of a paper on the subject to the IMO. All readers of this UPDATE are invited and encouraged to provide Don with information on confined space entry cases, best practices, recommendations, and actions that they have taken which may lead to a better understanding of the hazards of confined space entry. Send the material by post or email.

Finance Minister Promotes Vanuatu in Asia

The Minister of Finance visited key financial institutions in Hong Kong and Singapore to promote Vanuatu as an offshore financial centre. In his visits he stressed the upgraded legislation Vanuatu had passed in the last few years and Vanuatu’s commitment in the fight against terrorism and money laundering. A comprehensive amendment to the Financial Transaction Reporting Act has put Vanuatu on a par with other leading offshore centers. 

Taiwanese Fishing Vessel Owners Meeting

On October 4, 2007, VMSL’s Don Sheetz met with a number of Taiwanese fishing vessel owners in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The 3rd of 3 similar meetings over the course of the last few years continued to cement relationships between Vanuatu and its constituent shipowners. 

Marketing in Japan

Captain Clive Grainger (left), Vanuatu’s Deputy Commissioner of Maritime Affairs in Japan, and VMSL’s Don Sheetz (right) hosted a seminar for current and prospective Japanese shipowners on October 11, 2007, introducing them to the new initial registration fee structure established to entice more Japanese shipowners to consider the benefits of registering their vessels under the Vanuatu flag.

Kuwait Assistance

Kuwait has invited the Vanuatu Foreign Affairs Minister to visit and discuss ways in which the Kuwait Fund maybe able to assist Vanuatu in agriculture and health projects. 

Japan’s Study of  Port Vila’s International Wharf

A Japanese design team has completed Phase I of study to improve the international wharf in Port Vila and the second phase has commenced. There are major plans to greatly increase the capacity of the main wharf as well as the capacity of Star Wharf which handles cargo and domestic passengers.

Cattle and Bio-fuel

Elcress Cattle Company, already the country’s largest cattle producer, has leased 5000 hectares of land on Epi Island to raise over 10,000 head of cattle and grow coconuts to be converted into bio fuel for running their equipment. This will help the coconut growers on Epi and surrounding islands. They also are bringing in a new inter-island transport ship to move their equipment, produce, and cattle.                                                      

New Cruise Liner

P&O is introducing the Pacific Dawn, a 70,000 ton cruise liner, to the South Pacific and reconfirms that Vanuatu is the number one choice of tourists as the best place to stop and to shop. The ship carries over 2000 passengers who are keen to see South Pacific islands in their natural state. The favorite stop for P&O is Mystery Island in Vanuatu’s South, which is far from any international airport and therefore little disturbed from its traditional ways.

Marketing in Shanghai

Mr. C.C. Tan, (left) Vanuatu’s Deputy Commissioner of Maritime Affairs, Singapore, & VMSL’s Don Sheetz met recently in the offices of Mr. Tan’s Richfield Marine Shanghai office where Richfield handles ship and corporate registration for Vanuatu in China. Don also met with a number of Chinese shipowners to introduce them to the Vanuatu registry.

Air Vanuatu Service

Air Vanuatu is proceeding with the acquisition of a new Boeing 737-800 aircraft to increase the frequency of service from/to Australia, and the number of seats. It is also now possible to use Qantas Frequent Flyer points to fly to Vanuatu, with the availability of free seats most numerous in February-April in each year.