Canada issues Flare alert

The Canadian Transportation Safety Board has shown Flare`s owner, flag state (Cyprus) and classification society (LR) evidence from an underwater survey of the bow section. This points to a fracture beginning in way of the grain loading ports situated on either side of the deck.

The disused loading ports (approximately 250mm in diameter) had been blanked off and sealed with cement. Aerial photographs taken before the bow section sank show that the failure occurred in this region, and as the fracture is straight it is indicative of fatigue being the cause.

Normally a hole in the deck plating would dissipate stress rather than concentrate it, says one naval architect. However, any corrosion under the cover would lead to a concentration of the stresses, he adds.

The Canadian authorities have identified 18 or 19 vessels of a similar design, and have alerted all flag states about the initial findings. If these vessels enter a Canadian or US port they will be visually inspected.