JUNE 25, 2013 — In its latest update on the June 17 incident in which the five year old containership MOL Comfort broke into two sections (see earlier story) Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. says it has started an investigation of the causes together with the shipbuilder, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI).

Although the cause of the incident has not yet been identified, MOL, together with MHI and classification society ClassNK, is arranging inspection of the all six of MOL Comfort's sister vessels as quickly as possible. The inspection is in addition to one carried out by the crews during navigation.

MOL has also started operational precautions to reduce the stress on the hull as an interim contingency plan.

The sister ships are MOL Creation, MOL Charisma, MOL Celebration, MOL Courage, MOL Competence, MOL Commitment.

As of 18:00 Dubai time yesterday, the fore and aft parts of MOL comfort were drifting near 15'25"N 67'53"E and 13'48"N 64'50"E respectively in an east-northeast direction. Weather at the site was still adverse.

MOL says that though some containers were lost, but majority have confirmed to be aboard the fore and aft part.

MOL has contracted with a salvage company and is proceeding to recover the cargo and hulls. One patrol boat and three tugboats arrived at the site on June 24. A total of five boats including one that is expected to arrive tomorrow will prepare for the recovery.