Nickel Ore Liquefaction Suspected in Devon Bay Capsize
The tragic capsizing of the ultramax vessel Devon Bay off the disputed Scarborough Shoal is believed to be linked to the liquefaction of its nickel ore cargo. This incident, which occurred late on January 22, has raised alarms about the dangers associated with transporting this high-risk commodity. The 2013-built, Singapore-flagged Devon Bay, owned by K Line Pte Ltd, was en route from Gutalac in the southern Philippines to Yangjiang, China, carrying approximately 55,000 tonnes of nickel ore when it listed and ultimately capsized.
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan reported that initial testimonies from the crew indicated cargo instability as a primary factor in the incident. “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 ship, compounded by adverse weather conditions, including large waves. While these details provide a preliminary understanding of the situation, Gavan emphasized that conclusive data is still pending.
Search and Rescue Efforts Underway
The Devon Bay was carrying 21 Filipino seafarers at the time of the incident. In a collaborative rescue operation involving Chinese and Philippine coast guard units, 17 crew members were successfully recovered. Unfortunately, two of those rescued later succumbed to their injuries, while four individuals, including Captain Elimar Jucal, remain unaccounted for. Admiral Gavan commended Captain Jucal for his bravery, highlighting that he stayed aboard the vessel until the very end, demonstrating exceptional leadership during the crisis.
This incident has once again spotlighted the inherent risks associated with nickel ore, which is classified as a Group A cargo under the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code. When the moisture content of nickel ore exceeds the transportable moisture limit, it can behave like a liquid, leading to sudden and catastrophic shifts within the ship’s holds. This phenomenon leaves crews with little to no time to react or abandon ship, significantly increasing the risk of fatalities.
Historical Context of Nickel Ore 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, including the losses of vessels such as Nasco Diamond, Jian Fu Star, and Hong Wei, have underscored the dangers of transporting this type of cargo. According to Intercargo’s latest Bulk Carrier Casualty Report, cargo liquefaction, especially of nickel ore and bauxite, has been responsible for 55 out of 89 bulk carrier fatalities between 2015 and 2024.
As investigations continue into the capsizing of the Devon Bay, the maritime industry is urged to reassess safety protocols and regulations surrounding the transport of nickel ore. The ongoing scrutiny of this high-risk cargo is crucial to preventing future tragedies and ensuring the safety of seafarers worldwide.
