M/V Toros Bay; Coco Island Guam

Coco Island Guam | 1986-Dec-22

Initial Notification: The cargo vessel Toros Bay grounded about 2300 on December 22 on a reef east of Cocos Island near Guam. The vessel was traveling at 11.5 when she hit and is hard aground with the surf breaking along hold #2 port and #3 starboard. There is 500 tons of intermediate fuel oil (1/2 #6 and 1/2 diesel)in bottom tanks and 60 tons of generator diesel stored aft. Water depth just aft of the ship is 300-500 fathoms. Location 13.15.1N and 144,38.7 E. . The vessels cargo includes 202 tons of Ammonium nitrate and 100 Tons of Hexamethylene tetramine in 50 pound bags stored in bags on pallets in #4 hold. Number 5 hold also contains Ammonium nitrate. Cargo totals are for holds 1,4,5 50,000kg Ammonium nitrate, holds 3,4 66,000kg hexamethylene tetramine, holds 2,3 general machinery. . The ammonium nitrate reacts explosively with fuel. There is concern that the fuel may enter #4 hold if the ship continues to work on the reef. The Coast Guard asked if the ammonium nitrate could be off-loaded into deep water with out adverse environmental effect. Conference call was held with CMD MacDonald in Guam (011-617-339-4107), HMRB Seattle, and Ed Overton. . MacDonald was advised of chemical reaction problems. Ed said that nitrate could be off-loaded without adverse effects in unconfined waters. Suggested flooding #4 if diesel began leaking into hold. This would dilute nitrate, diesel would float on top, preventing mixing. Water flow into the tank should be maintained to keep concentration of nitrate down. . Weather on scene presently winds from the west. Conditions may worsen due to tropical depression forming in the area. MASS is contacting the weather service for latest information. . We are standing by for further word from the Coast Guard. USCG district 14.