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Author: Paul Hancock

Maria Oliva

Maria Oliva

Maria Oliva
Photo: Philippine Coast Guard

On the November 11, the 60.5 meter long, 394 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry Maria Oliva (ISO: 8706600) ran aground off the port of Romblon, Romblon, Philippines. The Maria Oliva departed from San Agustin with 38 crew, 156 passengers and 26 vehicles bound for Romblon when it grounded in shallow waters.

The Philippine Coast Guard responded and began evacuation off the ferry. The Coast Guard safely transported nearly all 156 passengers to the port of Romblon. Two passengers remained on the Maria Oliva as he needed access to medical equipment which was on a vehicle on the ferry.  No reports of injuries.

The Coast Guard is monitoring the vessel and help coordinating efforts to refloat the ferry.  Reports state there has been no water ingress and no pollution released.

Saturn I

Saturn I

Saturn I
Photo: KEGM

On November 11, the 141 meter long, 7023 dwt tanker Saturn I (IMO: 9655470) became disabled on the Sea of Marmara off Ahırkapı, Turkey. The Saturn I was proceeding in ballast bound for Russia when it suffered engine failure and went adrift. Authorities dispatched the tugboat Kurtarma 11 to assist the tanker. The tugboat took the Saturn I under tow to an anchorage off Küçükçekmece where the vessel will undergo repairs. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.

Ukushima

Ukushima

Ukushima
Photo: Japan Coast Guard

On the morning of November 11,  the 54 meter long, wooden hull Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) minesweeper Ukushima (MMSI: 31999662) was lost in Sagami Bay some 2.5 kilometers off Oshima Island, Japan. While conducting a drill, a fire started in the Ukushima engine room. The initial attempt by the crew to contain the blaze failed.  As the fire began to engulf the vessel, the crew requested assistance. The Japan Coast Guard dispatch a fire fighting vessel while the MSDF redirected the minesweeper Toyoshima to the scene. After several hours of fire fighting, the fire looked as if it was contained.  However, the fire would later flare up again a short time later and spread through out the wooden hull.

Authorities determined the next action was to evacuate the Ukushima crew over to the Toyoshima.  When the evacuation was completed, a roll call found that the petty officer on duty in the engine room had been left on board the Ukushima.

Reports state the fire continued to engulf the Ukushima until the vessel capsized and sank. The Coast Guard have dispatched divers to inspect the wreck and search the vessel for the missing person.  Authorities also state one other crew person was injured from smoke inhalation. This crew person was also on duty in the engine room at the time of the incident. The MSDF has launched an investigation into the incident.

Authorities have stated only one other minesweeper has been lost to a fire since 1966.