The Chem P departed from Algeciras (Spain) on February 18, 2022. She was expected in Malta on February 27. Since February 23, she has been suffering engine failures off the Algerian coast and is alternating drifts and reduced speeds.
The Saint Kitts and Nevis-flagged Chem P is the former US Chemical Pioneer sold for scrapping.
In its bulletin “Shipbreaking” # 65, Robin des Bois recalled the dramatic history of this ship, ex-container ship Sea Witch (cf. the chapter The END, p. 70-75) and expressed worries about the conditions of her departure for scrapping. The Chem P had already experienced difficulties during her Atlantic crossing. Her month-long stop in Algeciras, Spain, was clearly not enough to solve her power troubles. She is a 210-meter long drunken ship.
The Chem P is a threat for maritime safety, that of her crew, the Algerian shoreline and the marine environment.
Update 22 March 2022
The Chem P ex-Sea Witch was heading for scrapping. She left Philadelphia on December 14, 2021. She suffered a number of engine failures during the Atlantic crossing and then off Algeria, despite a call at Algeciras for a month. She finally dropped anchor east of Malta on March 4. On the night of March 18 to 19, gale force winds blew across the archipelago. The Chem P drifted and nearly run aground on the rocky coast of Bahar Ic-Caghaq. The two tugs RR Spinola and St. Elmo managed to bring her under control and avert the imminent danger. The Chem P was towed and anchored in Saint Paul Bay, in the west of of Malta Island.
Sunday March 20, Chem P, off Bahar Ic-Caghaq © Matthew Mirabelli/Times of Malta
Drift and towage of the
Chem P
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