Chemical Tanker Loses Control And Drifts Inland Towards Maltese Shores
A chemical tanker has been spotted drifting inland towards Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq after losing control amid gale-force winds on Saturday morning.
The vessel reportedly departed from Algeciras, Spain on 18th March, and was headed to Marsaxlokk.
Onlookers captured the vessel drifting inwards towards Maltese shores, losing a battle against powerful gale-force winds which have rendered the ship as “not under command.”
@lovinmaltaofficial ⚠️ The situation right now with @Sasha Vella ⚠️ #fyp #fypmalta #malta #lovinmalta #tanker #news #happeningnow #update ♬ original sound – Lovin Malta
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Videos and photos sent to Lovin Malta showed the 202-metre long, 21760 tonne tanker CHEM P being dragged across the waves on Malta’s northern coast, struggling to regain control.
Onlookers on site have reported a tugboat reeling beside the tanker in an attempt to change its course.
So far, amid the increasing winds, the attempts seem unsuccessful. As a result, the tanker has drifted inland.
A second tugboat has been seen en route, amid the operation to try and bring the vessel under control.
Officials from Transport Malta were also seen on-site surveying the situation.
More to follow