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Author: Paul Hancock

Lite Ferry 10

Lite Ferry 10

Lite Ferry 10
Photo: facebook

On the night of October 25, the 90 meter long ro-ro passenger ferry Lite Ferry 10 (MMSI: 548665300)  ran aground in the Bohol Sea off Larena, Siquijor, Philippines. The Lite Ferry 10 had departed from Tagbilaran, Bohol with 359 passengers and 45 crew onboard with 250 passengers bound for Plaridel while 109 passengers were travelling to Siquijor. For undisclosed reasons, the ferry ran aground firmly on a coral reef near the shoreline with its bow nearly out of the water.

The Philippine Coast Guard was alerted to the incident and began efforts to rescue the passengers and crew. The Coast Guard arrived on scene and assisted in getting all 359 passengers and 45 crew were safely transferred off the ferry. Afterwards, the Coast Guard began attempts to pull the Lite Ferry 10 free. The first attempted failed as a tugboat was only able to pull the ferry a few meters.  Another attempt would be made the next day on the next high tide.

Reports state that divers made an inspection of the hull and found there were no breaches, but the coral reef had sustained damage. No oil pollution had been detected, but the Philippine Coast Guard had booms ready if any pollution is detected.  Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

 

Industrial Merchant

Industrial Merchant

Industrial Merchant
Photo: USCG

On the night of October 28, the 114 meter long, 10049 dwt cargo vessel Industrial Merchant (IMO: 9534470) allided in the Galveston Ship Channel at the port of Galveston, Texas. The Industrial Merchant had struck the pier resulting in hull damage. The extent of damage had not been disclosed, but the cargo vessel fuel tank had been ruptured releasing fuel oil pollution.  The United States Coast Guard responded to the scene. Traffic on the Galveston Ship Channel was halted to prevent further spread of pollution and provide some safety to allow responders to conduct cleanup efforts. The Coast Guard laid out booms to contain the fuel oil spill.  No further details on clean up efforts were disclosed.

Several nearby cruise ships had to delay departures for several days until the Coast Guard completed cleanup.  Authorities stated the source of the oil spill had been secured and the exact amount of fuel oil released is under investigation. No reports of injuries.

 

Eternal Bright

Eternal Bright

Eternal Bright
Photo: KEGM

On the early morning of October 30, the 225 meter long, 77684 dwt bulk carrier Eternal Bright (IMO: 9287780) became disabled in the Dardanelles Strait off Kepez, Turkey. The Eternal Bright was headed to Karabiga from Ust-Luga with a cargo of 75,000 tons of coal when it suffered engine failure resulting in a power blackout.  The bulk carrier alerted authorities who dispatched the KEGM tugs Kurtarma 3 (IMO: 9335939) and Kurtarma 19 (IMO: 9995129). The tugs took the bulk carrier under tow and proceeded to the Karanlık Liman anchorage where it safely moored. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.