Castphill XV

Castphill XV

Castphill XV
Photo: Philippine Coast Guard

On the early morning of March 30, the cargo vessel Castphill XV caught fire at the entrance of Manila Bay near Limbones Island, Philippines. The cargo vessel departed from Manila bound for Culion with a mix cargo of  general merchandise, hardware materials, sacks of rice, cement and fuel. As it approached the island, a fire broke out on the Castphill XV.  The crew was unable to contain the blaze and requested assistance before they abandoned ship.

The Philippine Coast Guard patrol vessel BRP Boracay arrived on site and rescued seven crew from the water. The patrol vessel took the survivors back to Manila where they taken to hospital for treatment.  Five more survivors would be rescued a few hours later by the Coast Guard based in Maragondon. These survivors were brought ashore to Maragondon for treatment.  Reports state the crew sustained only minor injuries.

The Philippine Coast Guard has begun an investigation Reports suggest the fire may have started in the cargo hold possibly from the stored fuel cargo.

Barge Capsized

Barge Capsized

Photo: nzherald.co.nz

On the afternoon of March 31, a 30 meter long barge capsized in Bay of Plenty at the marina of Tauranga, New Zealand. The barge was operating in the marina when it lost stability and tipped over onto its side. The onboard crane fell into in the water and 10 litres of diesel fuel was released into the water. Authorities placed booms around the vessel and used absorbent pads to collect the pollution. Reports state there were no injuries. Reports state the barge will be salvaged. Maritime NZ has launched an investigation into the incident.

Photo: nzherald.co.nz
TB Toranes

TB Toranes

TB Toranes
Photo: NSSR

On March 29, the 18 meter long tugboat TB Toranes (IMO: 257103600) became disabled in the North Sea off Årabrotholmane, Norway.  The TB Toranes was towing a barge when it suffered engine problems and had to drop anchor off Årabrotholmane. The tug requested assistance with the NSSR dispatching the lifeboats Horn Rescue (MMSI: 257641000) and RC Bergesen (MMSI: 257965590).  The Horn Rescue took the TB Toranes under tow and proceeded to Haugesund.  The RC Bergesen aided by the patrol boat KV Tor (IMO: 9353369) took the barge under tow to Haugesund.  There were no reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.