The 2910 dwt freighter Sea Shine 14 had a fire onboard in the Persian Gulf near the Iranian coast. The vessel had left Dubai for Iraq with a cargo of car tires. The 15 crewmen onboard were rescued by Iranian Coast Guard. No further details were reported.
The barge Ivan Batam went aground off Apalit Island, Palawan, Phillipines, after it broke loose from a towing tug. The two vessels had encountered strong winds and heavy seas when the towline seperated. The barge loaded with 8,000 tons of coal now lies with a list. Reports state the vessel had hit a coral reef as it went aground. There is a significant chance there is some environmental damage. The area where the barge went ashore is a marine sanctuary. If the cargo of coal is released, it will severely damage the spawning grounds for many fisheries. The tug towing the Ivan Batam reported that it release some pollution when fuel was spilled while it headed for safety. Authorities are having a survey to see what damage has already been made.
The 45-foot fishing vessel Damariscotta sank near Point Judith, Rhode Island. The vessel had contacted the Coast Guard stating the vessel was taking on water and was need of assistance. The Coast Guard responded and were escorting the Damariscotta back to harbor when the vessel began to sink by the stern just before the docks in Galilee, Rhode Island. The vessel sits in 12 feet of water. Reports state that an oil boom was set for any pollution that may be released.
