The 153 meter long, 21317 dwt bulk freighter Rich Forest became disabled in the Pacific Ocean near Guam.  The bulk carrier was en route to China from the Solomon Islands loaded with timber.  The vessel was sailing in heavy seas with 4 meter waves and 20 to 30 knot winds when it suffered a leak.   The Rich Forest suffered uncontrolled water ingress in the engine room and the vessel’s pumps were unable to keep up with the flooding.  The crew requested assistance  with two USCG cutters responding, one from Guam and the other near Saipan.  Aircraft were dispatched to the scene and four other vessels (AMVER) diverted course to aid in the rescue.  The bulk freighter C.S. Sunshine arrived on scene first and the crew of the Rich Forest abandoned ship.  All 24 crewmen from the Rich Forest were rescued by the C.S. Sunshine.  No reports of injuries.

Last report stated the Rich Forest was still slowing sinking by the stern, but was still afloat.  The vessel owner was working on establishing plans for the Rich Forest salvage.

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