On December 29, the 80 meter long, 2141 dwt bulk freighter Royal Prime sank in the South China Sea off the Spratly Islands. The vessel struck a reef and quickly filled with water. Reports state the 18 crew on board were able to abandon ship to the vessel’s lifeboat. The Royal Prime is suspected to have sunk near (08 06N 114 30E). No further details reported.
The ro-ro ferry Zamboanga went aground near Dumaguete City, Philippines. The Zamboanga was approaching the port when its engine failed. The vessel was pushed into shallow waters by the strong winds and choppy seas of a tropical depression. The Coast Guard were quickly alerted and sent personnel to the scene. The Coast Guardsmen rigged lines to the liferafts and safely landed all 228 passengers on board. Authorities suspended vessel operations in the areas affected by the tropical depression.
The 40 foot long fishing vessel Jayden Ray went aground onto the rocks near the mouth of the Quillayute River near LaPush, Washington. The Coast Guard received a distress call from the Jayden Ray and dispatched a Dolphin helicopter and a 47-foot motor lifeboat to the scene. The lifeboat with the aid of the helicopter was able to navigate through the rocks and attach a towline to the Jayden Ray. The fishing vessel was refloated and towed back to LaPush. No injuries, damage or pollution released. The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.
