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Category: Capsize

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.

Princesse Jessica

Princesse Jessica

Princesse Jessica
Photo: seneweb.com

On the night of October 15, the 77 meter long cargo vessel Princesse Jessica (MMSI: 671396100) capsized and sank while moored at the port of Dakar, Senegal. The Princesse Jessica had been moored at Pier 2 with a minimal crew on board when the 190 meter long, 56894 dwt bulk carrier Zografia (IMO: 9486013) had arrived in Dakar with its cargo of sugar. The Zografia was maneuvering to berth at the nearby Pier 3 when it allided with the Princesse Jessica.  The Princesse Jessica sustained severe damage on its port side with a hull breach below the waterline. With only three crew, two mechanics and a cook, on board, there was a limited response to contain the flooding. The three crew safely abandoned ship as the cargo vessel quickly listed over to port and rolled over and sank leaving just part of the starboard hull above water.  The Zografia sustained only minor damage. No reports of injuries on either vessel.

Authorities arrived on scene and secured the area.  They report the incident has had minimal impact on traffic and activities in the port.

Reports also state the Princesse Jessica had been berthed in Dakar for over 5 months and currently has no flag. Authorities state the vessel has changed flags and names several time since it was built in 1990. It has been sailing under the Princesse Jessica since May 2023 and it dropped from Togolese registry.

Grigory Lovtsov

Grigory Lovtsov

Grigory Lovtsov
Photo: Pravda.ru

On the afternoon of October 18, 2024, the 41 meter long, 194 dwt ro-ro cargo vessel Grigory Lovtsov (IMO:8974922) capsized in the Sea of Okhotsk off the Sakhalin Island, Russia. The Grigory Lovtsov was loaded with gravel and sand when it lost stability and rolled over. Three of the crew on board the vessel were thrown into sea while another four on board were reported as missing. The three crew were pulled from the water by a rescue helicopter.  One of the crew was injured and later taken to hospital.

Authorities have launched a search and rescue operation. A rescue boat aided by two tugboats are currently looking for the missing four crew.  Initial reports state the cargo vessel may have been overloaded at the time.  A report states the other 2 crew rescued perished from the incident suggesting there may be only a sole survivor from the capsizing. The incident is under investigation.

The Grigory Lovtsov had been in a prior incident. The vessel got stuck in the ice back in 2022 requiring evacuation.