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Month: July 2012

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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Two aground off Cordova

Two aground off Cordova

The high speed ferry Ocean Jet 5 went aground in the Mactan Channel near Cordova, Philippines.  The ferry had departed from Bohol with 197 passengers and 13 crew headed for Cebu City.   When the Ocean Jet 5 approached the channel, another vessel came out forcing the ferry to run aground to avoid a collision.   The ferry then contacted it’s sister ship Ocean Jet 6 which departed to rescue the passengers.   However, the Ocean Jet 6 also went aground nearby at Shell Island.   The ferry owners then dispatched tugs to the scene while sending a banca to transport the passengers to shore.   The tug refloated the Ocean Jet 5 and shortly later the Ocean Jet 6.   Both vessels were towed to Cebu City.  No reports of injuries or pollution released.   Both vessels will have divers conduct an underwater inspection.   Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

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