The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (Intercargo) has called for an early casualty investigation following the tragic loss of the bulk carrier

Harita Bauxite.

The Panama-registered, 1983-built handymax ship which was reportedly carrying a cargo of nickel ore from Obi, Indonesia to China, sank on the evening of 17 February after suffering engine failure, possibly during poor weather.

Although ten crew were rescued by a passing ship, 14 crew remain unaccounted for.

Secretary General of Intercargo, Rob Lomas said “at this early stage, we cannot speculate about the cause of this sad incident” but, he continued “the sudden loss of another bulk carrier in this region underlines the importance for the relevant authorities to quickly conduct their accident investigations so that the dry bulk sector can learn and apply any safety-related lessons from this tragedy, and help in future prevent this unnecessary loss of life”.

Intercargo continues to work through IMO to protect the safety of seafarers and their ships and additionally works with P&I, IUMI and other Round Table industry associations to help strengthen and clarify the requirements of the IMSBC Code.

The next amendment to the IMSBC Code will be formally approved by MSC 92 in May 2013, becoming mandatory from 1 January 2015. The inclusion of several changes to the Code requested or supported by Intercargo are included, and revisions concerning the control of moisture content for ‘Group A’ cargoes are particularly welcomed.