The 117 meter long, 10,300 dwt cement carrier Iriana ran aground (IMO: 9821158) went aground of Fangshang, Taiwan. The Iriana had suffered a mechanical breakdown and had to drop anchor as Typhoon Gaemi approached. The winds over 115 mph and heavy seas over 20 feet were too much and the vessel’s anchor began to drag. Unable to maneuver the cement carrier was driven ashore. No reports of injuries to the 20 crew.
The 65 meter long tanker Terra Nova capsized and sank six kilometers off Lamao Point, Bataan, Philippines. The tanker was enroute from Iloilo City with 1494 tons of fuel oil on board when it had suffered a mechanical breakdown and taken under tow. As Typhoon Gaemi was passing over the area, the tanker was swamped by the heavy seas causing the Terra Nova to capsize and sink. Reports state 16 of the 17 crew on board were later rescued. One crewman perished when the Terra Nova sank.
The Philippine Coast Guard reported an oil slick had developed over the sunken tanker. The slick stretched some 12 kilometers threatening local fishing and beaches. Authorities dispatched barriers and oil skimmers to the scene to help mitigate the pollution. Divers inspected the sunken tanker to ensure the tank valves were sealed to prevent further oil leaking. Authorities state they plan to siphon the oil off the tanker before the Terra Nova will be towed to a shallower area.
Update July 29:
News reports state the Terra Nova is still leaking oil and the oil slick has not yet been contained.