Bulk carrier Kiveli (IMO 8204731) and bulk carrier Afina I (IMO 9585015) collided on March 13th while they were 10nm west of Kythira Island, Greece.
The vessels were proceeding in opposite directions at the time, and both ships suffered damage. The Afina I was en route from Novorossiysk Russia, Black sea, to Bilbao Spain, The Kiveli was en route from Casablanca, Morocco, to Varna, Bulgaria.
The Afina I apparently sustained a hull breach, with ensuing water ingress, and the ships became locked. Both ships were towed to Neapoli Voion anchorage on March 14th, by five tugs. By March 15th the ships had been decoupled. Both ships were apparently suffering water ingress.
The Afina I was loaded with iron ore while the Kiveli was loaded with fertilizers.
Lyboussakis Salvage & Towage was reported to have been contracted for salvage and to be engaged in salvage operation.
No injuries were reported among the crews of the two ships. No pollution occurred after the collision.
The salvage company was reported to have feared that the hole in the port side of the Alfina I was so large that the ship would sink if the two vessels were separated. As a result the joined vessels were towed to calm waters at the Neapoli Voion Anchorage, after which they were prised apart.
Photos from the scene taken on Sunday March 14th show that the Kiveli’s bow contacted the Afina I’s hull amidships on the port side.
The Joint Search and Rescue Coordination Centre of the Hellenic Coast Guard said that the collision resulted in water ingress in both vessels, but no pollution had been observed and that the vessel’s crews were not harmed.
2008-built, Liberia-flagged, 22,115 gt Kiveli is owned by Monford Management Ltd care of manager Larus SA of Piraeus, Greece. It is entered with London Club on behalf of Monford Management Ltd.
2010-built, Malta-flagged, 8,887 gt Afina I is owned by Afina Navigation Ltd care of ISM manager Transyug Shipping Co Ltd of Odessa, Ukraine. Commercial manager is Navitramp Freight Agency Ltd of San Gwann, Malta. It is entered with West of England (Claims Team Greece) on behalf of Afina Navigation Ltd.