UPDATE Sep 22 0400 UTC: SEAMA is slowly sinking by aft, or probably, already sank as of morning Sep 22. Understood she will remain partially above water when resting on bottom. Authorities are planning refloating of the ship, and already assigned necessary resources. Salvors were trying to prevent sinking, result yet unknown. AIS off since Sep 20.
Sep 20
UPDATE: It was hardly a job of sea mine, it just doesn’t look that way. Be ship’s stern hit by mine, SELAMA should be long gone. The crew during preliminary investigation, say the explosion took place inside, not outside. Explosion most probably, comprised hull integrity, hence water ingress and aft tilt. Romanian authorities don’t yet exclude mine version, but facts refute mine explosion.
General cargo ship SEAMA issued distress signal at around 0650 LT (UTC +3) Sep 20, at Sulima Anchorage in Black sea, Danube Delta, some 10 nm offshore from Sulima. Explosion hit engine room area, sea mine is main suspect. All cre were transferred ashore by Romanian Coast Guard, no injures reported. Last ship’s AIS position was received at 0500 UTC, understood she’s afloat, though judging from photos, she’s taking in water in stern area. SEAMA arrived at Sulima Anchorage on Sep 12, from Turkey, destination Izmail Ukraine.
General cargo ship SEAMA, IMO 7827328, dwt 4251, built 1981, flag Togo, ISM manager GMZ SHIP MANAGEMENT CO SA, Lebanon.
