Weesam Express
On the early morning of October 7, the 226 gt passenger ferry Weesam Express (IMO: 9093062) sank in the Sulu Sea at Zamboanga, Philippines. The Weesam Express while docked in port suffered uncontrolled water ingress in the engine room. The crew spotted the water and engaged the vessel’s pumps, but the pumps were quickly overwhelmed. The crew evacuated off Weesam Express to shore as the ferry developed a starboard list. Strong waves in the area hastened the flooding causing the Weesam Express to capsize and sink leaving on a small part of the hull above water.
The Philippine Coast Guard placed booms around the sunken ferry to contain any pollution released. No reports of injuries. Reports stated the ferry had potentially suffered some mechanical breakdown allowing for the water ingress.