Her Majesty’s Bahamian Ship LAWRENCE MAJOR was moored alongside a floating dry-dock undergoing maintenance and repairs at the Suriname Dry-dock and Shipbuilding Shipyard in Paramaribo Suriname when the Motor Vessel Tropic Tide collided into HMBS Lawrence Major around 8:30 am 15 May 2021 while transiting the Suriname River.
Initial damage assessments have indicated that HMBS LAWRENCE MAJOR sustained structural damage to its superstructure portside upper deck railing, stairway, and bow areas. An extensive damage assessment will be done by Damen Shipyard Group to determine the true extent of damages sustained.
Crewmembers of HMBS LAWRENCE MAJOR and shipyard personnel undertaking maintenance repairs at the time were able to safely evacuate the vessel before the collision occurred. Injuries to crewmembers were limited to minor cuts and bruises. The ship’s medic immediately conducted medical assessments.
Investigations into the accident are being conducted by the local Suriname police as the local marine authorities in collaboration with the owners and shipping agents of the MV Tropic Tide, Suriname Shipyard, Damen Shipyard Group representatives and the insurers of both vessels. Related repair costs will be borne by Damen Shipyard Group responsible for HMBS LAWRENCE MAJOR undergoing dock yard maintenance repairs in Suriname.
The estimated cost for damages to HMBS LAWRENCE MAJOR is still being assessed and the timeline to effect the repairs caused by the incident to the vessel is unknown at this time.