The 59 foot long supply vessel Endeavour ran aground in St. Lucie Inlet off Sewall’s Point, Florida. The supply vessel was being used to bring aid to Haiti when it ran aground. The Endeavour later partially sank on the following high tide and released some of its 2000 gallons of diesel fuel on board. A light sheen was visible around the vessel. Authorities have contracted a salvage firm to raise the vessel and handle pollution cleanup. No reports of injuries to the five persons on board.
The 242 meter long, 14971 dwt container ship El Faro went missing off Crooked Island, Bahamas. On September 29, the El Faro departed from Jacksonville, Florida bound for San Juan, Puerto Rico on a four day voyage with its 33 crew. The following day a tropical storm intensified into Hurricane Joaquin. Hurricane Joaquin increases intensity on October 1 with winds reaching up to 120 miles per hour. The El Faro continued on its heading into the hurricane. Later in the day, the crew reported the container ship had suffered water ingress and lost power as it passed Crooked Island. One crewman on the El Faro sent an email stated the vessel had sustained a list and continued to suffer water ingress. Soon after communication was lost with the El Faro.
On October 2, the Coast Guard dispatches a cutter along with helicopters to begin a search for the El Faro. The initial search was unable to find any sign of the vessel. The search continues on the following day when a life ring is spotted in the water near Crooked Island. The search continues into the third day when the Coast Guard finds a debris field and oil sheen on the surface. A container is also spotted and it is latter identified coming from the El Faro. Search and rescue continues when the Coast Guard finds the body of one of the crew members of the El Faro. Reports state the crewman was wearing a survival suit. The El Faro lifeboat is later found empty.
The 177 meter long, 33476 dwt bulk carrier El Condor Pas ran aground on the Bosphorus near Istanbul, Turkey. The vessel was loaded with 29000 tons of iron ore had ignored authorities warnings when it made a navigation error by making an early turn and grounding into shallow water. No reports of injuries or pollution released. A tug was dispatched and was able to refloat the vessel a few days later.
