Shipwreck Log

On the afternoon of July 25, the 107 meter long, 2205 dwt suction dredger Hein (IMO: 7911856) allided on the Weser River at the port of Brake, Germany. Accordingly to the Water Police, the Hein had veered from its course and struck a quay in the port before coming to rest at the edge of the riverbank. The dredger sustained significant bow damage with the hull holed in multiple places, but no reports of injuries from the incident. During the incident, the dredger had struck on the cranes on the quay causing it to topple over onto the vessel. Reports state the crane was smashed onto the deck and tore several hydraulic lines. Authorities confirmed that some hydraulic oil entered the Weser, but the amount was minimal and would evaporate quickly.

The incident is under investigation. There was no initial reports to why the Hein changed course. A salvage company has been contacted to plan how the dredger will be recovered.

Unity World

July 25, 2025 Paul Hancock

On the morning of July 23, the fishing vessel Unity World sank in Nasugbu Bay off Fortune Island, Nasugbu, Batangas, Philippines. The Unity World had departed from Navotas City with 40,000 litres of diesel fuel bound for Cuyo, Palawan to deliver the fuel and pick up a cargo of fish. The fishing vessel encountered rough seas caused by typhoon Emong off Fortune Island forcing the crew to abandon ship. All 11 crew on board were able to reach the shore using floatation devices. Authorities stated the crew was given a health check and were in good condition.

The Unity World would later sink in heavy seas some 2.25 nautical miles off the shoreline. The Philippine Coast Guard was unable to launch due to rough conditions. Authorities have stated that resources are in place and a response team was monitoring the area for pollution.

Barges Aground Off Batangas

July 24, 2025 Paul Hancock

Barges off Batangas — Photo: Philippine Coast Guard

On July 19, the barges Amazon River, EE Margarette and Yangtze River went aground in Balayan Bay along the shoreline near Calaca City, Batangas, Philippines. The barges Amazon River, loaded with 1567 mt of molasses, and Yangtze River, loaded with 1462 mt of molasses, were under tow by the tug Robina I bound for Balayan. Nearby, the barge EE Margarette, loaded with 1772 mt of molasses, was being towed by the tug Robina II was also bound for Balayan. The vessels had to divert due to rough seas from Tropical Storm Crising and shelter in the bay. The winds from the tropical storm was strong enough to snap the mooring lines to the barges resulting in all three barges washing ashore. The barge Amazon River and EE Margarette collided during the incident resulting in hull damage to the EE Margarette.

The Philippine Coast Guard stated that all 21 crew onboard the vessels were safe. Authorities stated that some of the molasses cargo from the EE Margarette was released into sea. The coast guard stated the cargo was considered non-hazardous and would dissipate in the sea. Local officials stated salvage and the removal of the barges will be done as soon as conditions improved.