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Day: July 29, 2012

MSC Flaminia Update 3

MSC Flaminia Update 3

MSC FLAMINIA and the accompanying group of tugboats have assumed a waiting position approximately 100 nautical miles off the British coast. While the team of firefighting experts is onboard MSC FLAMINIA, the vessel is not towed. Today, a team of firefighting experts has again boarded MSC FLAMINIA. It is yet unsure when a one-by-one inspection of containers can commence. This inspection aims at eliminating any smoldering fires inside of containers. Firefighting and shipbuilding experts on site are among other things assessing the stability of the vessel.

Overall, the situation onboard MSC FLAMINIA continues to improve. According to firefighting experts, almost no smoke generation can be observed from cargo holds 4 and 5. Nevertheless, hotspots inside of individual containers should still be reckoned with.  A permission to enter a sheltered coastal area will be decided upon by authorities in the coming days. Once the vessel has arrived at a so-called “sheltered area”, a secure sea area close to the shore, further, more thorough investigations can be continued.

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Shuttle Roro 1

Shuttle Roro 1

 

Photos: Romblon Sun

The passenger ro-ro ferry Shuttle RORO 1 ran aground in Looc Bay, Philippines.   The ferry was en route to Odiongan with 106 passengers and crew from Dumaguit on its scheduled route.  Conditions began to worsen as tropical storm Gener approached.   The vessel soon was battling big waves and heavy rains.   The master of the Shuttle RORO 1 decided to seek shelter and headed for Looc Bay.   As the vessel entered the bay, it struck the coral reefs.   The ferry suffered hull damage and extensive water ingress.   After contacting the Philippine Coast Guard, the master ordered to abandon ship as the vessel flooded.   The Coast Guard dispatched rescue craft to the scene.   Reports state four passengers had perished or were missing while the rest were rescued by the Coast Guard.   The survivors were taken to Odiongan Island.   Authorities are conducting a search and rescue of the area.   No signs of oil pollution, but authorities are monitoring the situation.

Update

Updated reports state the vessel had capsized by a strong surge of waves striking the ferry after it ran aground.   Afterwards, a fire broke out and has burned most of the superstructure of the vessel.   The survivors, 59 passengers and 41 crew, were being housed at Romblon State University.   The one passenger perished during the rescue effort.

More Photos at Romblon SUN facebook page

 

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Ocean Galaxy

Ocean Galaxy

Photo: Philippines Coast Guard

The 100 meter long, 8394 dwt freighter Ocean Galaxy went aground off Bataan, Philippines.   The Ocean Galaxy was en route to Manila when it became disabled after suffering engine failure.  The freighter was able to drop anchor, but the anchor dragged due to the heavy seas.   No injuries or damage to the vessel.   A salvage tug was requested and arrived on scene.

 

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