Fatal Capsizing of Devon Bay Linked to Nickel Ore Liquefaction
The ultramax bulk carrier Devon Bay capsized off the disputed Scarborough Shoal on January 22, 2024, with liquefaction of its nickel ore cargo emerging as the primary suspected cause. The vessel, built in 2013 and registered under the Singapore flag, was owned by K Line Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of Japan’s Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha. At the time of the incident, the ship was transporting approximately 55,000 tonnes of nickel ore from Gutalac in the southern Philippines to Yangjiang, China.
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan reported that initial crew testimonies indicated cargo instability as a significant factor in the disaster. “The initial statements of the crew suggest that the cargo – it was carrying around 55,000 tons of nickel ore and there was liquefaction,” Gavan explained. He noted that the moisture content of the cargo likely caused a shift in weight to the port side of the vessel, exacerbated by adverse weather conditions, including large waves. While these details provide a preliminary understanding of the incident, Gavan emphasized that conclusive data is still pending.
Search and Rescue Efforts Amid Tragedy
The tragic incident resulted in the loss of life among the crew members. Of the 21 Filipino seafarers aboard, 17 were rescued through a collaborative operation involving both Chinese and Philippine coast guard units. Unfortunately, two of the rescued crew members later succumbed to their injuries, while four others, including Captain Elimar Jucal, remain unaccounted for. Admiral Gavan commended Captain Jucal for his bravery, highlighting that he remained on board until the very end, demonstrating exceptional leadership during the crisis.
This incident has reignited concerns regarding the safety of transporting nickel ore, which is classified as a Group A cargo under the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code. The classification indicates that when the moisture content exceeds the transportable moisture limit, the seemingly solid ore can behave like a liquid. This phenomenon can lead to sudden and catastrophic shifts in the cargo hold, leaving crews with little time to react or abandon ship.
Nickel Ore: A History of Maritime Disasters
The Devon Bay incident is not an isolated case; it is part of a troubling trend involving nickel ore shipments, particularly from the Philippines and Indonesia to China. Previous disasters have included vessels such as the Nasco Diamond, Jian Fu Star, Hong Wei, Vinalines Queen, and Emerald Star. According to Intercargo’s latest Bulk Carrier Casualty Report, cargo liquefaction, especially of nickel ore and bauxite, has been responsible for 55 of the 89 bulk carrier fatalities recorded between 2015 and 2024.
Tragic Capsizing of Singapore-Flagged Vessel Claims Lives in South China Sea
The ongoing risks associated with nickel ore transport have led to its designation as “the world’s most dangerous cargo.” As investigations into the Devon Bay incident continue, the maritime industry remains on high alert regarding the safe handling and transportation of this high-risk commodity. The tragic loss of life serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers faced by seafarers and the critical need for stringent safety measures in bulk cargo transport.
