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Author: Paul Hancock

Collision at Terneuzen

Collision at Terneuzen

Ben Gus
Photo: schuttevaer.nl

On the morning of October 9, the 105 meter long self-propelled barge France (MMSI:205331090) collided with the self-propelled barge Ben Gus (MMSI:205384890) on the Western Scheldt in the Westbuitenhaven off Terneuzen, Netherlands. The France was locked into the Westbuitenhaven bound for Antwerp when it collided with the Ben Gus.  The France sustained hull damage with water ingress. No reports of injuries on either vessel.

Reports state tugs assisted both the Ben Gus and France to moorings. Divers were requested and made repairs to the France hull while the Ben Gus cargo was unloaded to another vessel. No reports of pollution released.

 

Weesam Express

Weesam Express

Weesam Express
Photo: inquirer.net
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.
Toyosu Canal Collision

Toyosu Canal Collision

Senbamaru 12
Photo: news.jp

On the morning of October 8, the workboats Senbamaru No. 12 and the Senbamaru No. 80 collided on the Toyosu Canal in Koto Ward, Japan. The Senbamaru No. 80 was pushing a 30 meter long barge when it struck into port hull of the Senbamaru No. 12 in the canal some 700 meters north of the Toyosu Station.  The Senbamaru No. 12 sustained hull damage with it’s pilothouse windows smashed.

The Japanese Coast Guard reported that all five crew on the Senbamaru No. 12 were taken to hospital. One crew member had suffered a severe blow to the chest and would perish from his injury. Reports state there were no injuries on the other vessel. Coast Guard’s initial investigation suggests the two ships collided as they were passing each other. Authorities are currently investigating the exact cause of the accident.