Browsed by
Month: September 2018

Star Liberty

Star Liberty

Star Liberty
Photo: pna.gov.ph

The 55 meter long, 383 gt cargo vessel Star Liberty ran aground at Barangay, Antique, Philippines. The cargo vessel had been at anchor off Barangay since August 28 with a cargo of 28,000 bags of cement when strong winds from a southwestern monsoon caused the anchors to drag.  The crew attempted to restart the vessel’s engine, but the engine wouldn’t start as the Star Liberty was blown ashore.  The 22 crew on board were ordered to abandon ship and all were able to reach the shore, but 12 crew sustained minor injuries and were taken to hospital.  Local authorities have booms ready to deploy to contain any pollution released.  Reports state the Star Liberty could contain up to 6000 litres of diesel fuel on board.

Lite Ferry 28

Lite Ferry 28

Lite Ferry 28
Photo: Philippine Coast Guard

The 64 meter long ro-ro passenger ferry Lite Ferry 28 caught fire just outside of Taloot, Cebu, Philippines. The Lite Ferry 28 had departed from Tagbilaran, Bohol bound for Taloot, Cebu with 92 passengers and 29 crew.  Just 300 meters off Taloot, a fire broke out in the vessel’s engine room.  The crew was unable to contain the blaze and the fire continued to spread through the ferry’s superstructure.  Dense black smoke could be spotted along the shoreline as the stern of the Lite Ferry 28 engulfed in flames. 

Lite Ferry 28
Photo: Philippine Coast Guard

The cargo vessel LCT Miami left the docks at Taloot and reached the disabled Lite Ferry 28. The LCT Miami was able to transfer all the passengers and crew safely off the Lite Ferry 28 before returning back to Taloot.  The Philippine Coast Guard also arrived on scene a short time later and assisted in extinguishing the fire.  The Lite Ferry 28 was later taken under tow to Taloot.  Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

 

Master D

Master D

Master D
Photo: uscg

On August 30, the 68 foot long, 122 gt fishing vessel Master D caught fire in the Gulf of Mexico near Port Isabel, Texas.  All three crewmen on the Master D were forced to abandoned ship into a life raft as the smoke engulfed the vessel.  Authorities were alerted by an emergency radio beacon from the Master D and diverted the Coast Guard Cutter Coho to the scene. The Coho arrived and safely rescued all three crew members.  No reports of injuries.  

After burning for two days, the Master D sank 58 miles off Port Isabel.  Reports show a light sheen over the wreck location.  The Coast Guard has reported that it will work with a salvage team to remove any diesel fuel or oil pollution released by the fishing vessel. The Master D had some 23,000 gallons of fuel on board at the time of the incident.