On August 21, the 32 meter long, 421 dwt tugboat Locar LH XXIV ran aground in the South Atlantic off Maria da Rosa beach, Brazil. Reports state that several attempts were made to free the tugboat. Two tugboats attempted to pull the Locar LH XXIV free, but the towline snapped.
It would not be until August 24 before the Locar LH XXIV was finally refloated during high tide. No reports of injuries. No further details were reported.
On August 7, the ~55 meter long, ~650 dwt ro-ro landing craft/cargo vessel LCT Golden Phoenix ran aground off San Miguel Bay near Camarines Sur, Philippines. The Philippine Coast Guard reported the LCT Golden Phoenix was carrying a cargo of construction materials when it was blown aground due to strong winds and currents in the bay. The 13 crew on board were rescued by the Coast Guard and there were no reports of injuries.
Local authorities and the Philippine Coast Guard were monitoring the cargo vessel for any release of pollution. Reports stated the vessel developed a sharp list to port after it ran aground with part of its railings were submerged. An aerial survey showed the cargo of construction materials had fallen overboard, but authorities have not reported any environmental damage. Authorities do state the vessel’s owner have arranged for divers to inspect the hull and preparing plans to salvage the vessel. An initial attempt to conduct a full inspection had to be delayed due to rough sea conditions.
Details about the vessel and registration for the LCT Golden Phoenix were not clear. The length and dwt of the vessel is an approximation. The owners of the LCT Golden Phoenix may be the Rline Transport Inc based in Manila, Philippines, but this has not been confirmed.
On the night of June 1, the 60 meter long ro-ro passenger ferry Lomaiviti Princess 2 (IMO: 7824924) capsized and partially sank in Walu Bay at Suva Harbour, Fiji. A tugboat had towed the unmanned Lomaiviti Princess 2 away from the jetty when it had lost stability and developed a sharp a starboard list. As the list increased, the passenger ferry took on water until it capsized and partially sank in 5 meters of water. There were no injuries.
Authorities placed booms around the vessel, but diesel fuel pollution was not totally contained. A visible sheen of diesel fuel can be seen in Suva harbour. Authorities have issued a coastal warning and placed yellow buoys to indicate the boundary of the oil pollution. Reports state the Lomaiviti Princess 2 had been moored at the jetty since 2019 and had been used as a dumping ground. No reports if Fiji authorities will conduct an investigation into the incident, how the pollution will be mitigated and when the ferry will be salvaged or removed.