UPDATE - Tragic Loss of Bow Mariner

29.02.2004
Odfjell is deeply saddened that lives were lost when BOW MARINER sank in international waters outside the coast of Virginia last night.

The vessel had a crew of 27 whereof 24 Filipino and 3 Greek.  Nine crewmembers are picked up but three of these are deceased. 18 are still missing and search operations are ongoing in the area. Five of the rescued crewmembers are reportedly in good condition, while the condition of the sixth is stable and improving.   BOW MARINER sank after an explosion and fire. The cause of the accident is not established and the ship's flag state authority, Singapore, has asked the US Coast Guard to carry out investigation on their behalf. Odfjell as Owner and Ceres as Managers have representatives on scene and will support and assist with the operation and the investigation.   Over-flights have been made by US Coast Guard but no decision as to initiating any clean up has been made. Clean up personnel and equipment are available and on stand by.   BOW MARINER was subject to periodical routine inspections in North America last year. No deficiencies where found during an inspection in Vancouver. In the last inspection in Philadelphia in October five insignificant deficiencies were noted. These were corrected immediately and the ship sailed without delay. Also the classification society, Det Norske Veritas, has done periodical routine inspections. Class records are clean without any conditions of class issued.   Press contact Odfjell: Jan Hammer, phone +47 55 27 00 00 Press contact Ceres: George Papaiounou, phone +30 210 4591005 The Internet home page www.odfjell.com will be updated as further information is available.

Odfjell is a leading company in the global market of transporting and storing of chemicals and related logistical services. The fleet totals 89 ships, trading both globally and regionally, of which 47 is owned by the group. Odfjell additionally owns and operates tank terminals and tank containers.

Ceres Hellenic Shipping Enterprises is managing a wide range of various vessels. Currently the managed fleet is 42 vessels.