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The Malaysian-flagged vessel that broke into two off Alaska suffered a
cracked cylinder liner before train of events that led to the loss of the
bulk carrier Selendang Ayu, owned by Wawasan Shipping Sdn Bhd, a member of
the International Maritime Carriers (IMC) group.
While the exact cause of the engine failure which resulted in the tragedy
remains unknown, IMC managing director Peter Chew said the crew had shut
down the engine to repair a cylinder liner crack and to stop water from
getting into the engine.
Why the engine could not be restarted is not known.
The engine's makers, MAN B&W, were contacted during in the operation.
With the bulker having no power, a line from a tug, which held for 12 hours,
eventually snapped in heavy seas and ship was dashed on rocks.
Last week the 15 seafarers flew home after surviving the break-up of their
ship, the Selendang Ayu.
Five more survivors out of the total crew of 26 Filipinos and Indians,
including the master, KB Singh, were still in Alaska, according to Jim
Lawrence, spokesman for the ship's operator, IMC Group.
These men were scheduled to leave for their respective homelands shortly, Mr
Lawrence said.
The survivors had earlier attended a memorial service for their six mates
who are missing and presumed dead after a US Coast Guard helicopter that
went to their rescue crashed. |
