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Four Vessel Capsized on Huachong

Four Vessel Capsized on Huachong

Huachong Vessels Capsized
Photo: Xinhua News

On the afternoon of May 4, four tourist passenger vessels capsized on the Huachong River in China’s Guizhou Province.  Reports state a sudden severe thunderstorm with strong winds caused the vessels to rollover spilling some 84 passengers and crew into the water.  Reports state two vessels had no passengers and seven total crew on board.  These seven crew members were able to swim to safety.  The other 2 vessels were loaded with passengers.  Many passengers were able to swim to safety, but some became trapped in the overturned vessels. Authorities launched a search and rescue with over 500 emergency personnel to the area.

Reports state that 70 people were pulled from the water suffering from minor injuries.  Those injured were taken to hospital for treatment. Operations continued into the night, but rescuers were only able to recovered those who perished in the incident.  Ten bodies would be eventually recovered from the river.

Authorities state the two vessels that capsized were rated to carry 40 passengers and were not overloaded at the time of the incident. The names of the four vessels were not disclosed.

 

Hong Hai 16

Hong Hai 16

Hong Hai 16
Photo: Philippine Coast Guard

On the evening of April 15, the 144 meter long, 20421 dwt dredger Hong Hai 16 (IMO: 8665870) capsized in the Mindoro Strait off Barangay Malawaan, Rizal, Occidental Mindoro, Philippines. The Hong Hai 16 had lost stability while dredging a short distance off the coast.

A video caught the vessel listing heavily to port before it suddenly rolled over in less than a minute. Of the 25 crew on board the sand dredger, 14 crew were able to escape and found in the water near the hull.

The Philippine Coast Guard arrived on scene and began a search and rescue operation looking for the missing crew.  The initial search found the body of one crew member.  Divers were brought to the site and began searching within the Hong Hai 16‘s compartments. Divers would find 3 more bodies trapped inside the vessel. The Coast Guard states there is some hope the missing crew members may be found alive possibly in the engine room.

Hong Hai 16
Photo: x.com

An oil sheen was spotted around the overturned Hong Hai 16.  The Coast Guard deployed booms around the stern off the hull to contain the pollution.

Authorities have contacted the vessel’s owner to start salvage operations. The Coast Guard has asked ship’s owner to hire an accredited salvor while it conducted an underwater survey and risk assessment. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

 

Eileen Rita

Eileen Rita

Eileen Rita
Photo: uscg

On the morning of April 11, the 86 foot fishing vessel Eileen Rita ran aground in Boston Harbor off Green Island.  The Eileen Rita and proceeding in shallow water at low tide when it grounded on the rocks. The 3 crew on board donned immersion suits and sent out a distress call to the Coast Guard. Before the Coast Guard arrived on scene, the fishing vessel rolled over onto its port side and partially sank.  The Coast Guard and Boston police boat arrived on scene and safely rescued the 3 crew.  No reports of injuries.

The Coast Guard reports that the oil and fuel pollution had been released from the Eileen Rita. Authorities state as much as 4,000 gallons of diesel fuel and 50 gallons of lubrication oil was released. A long sheen of oil and fuel could be seen from the fishing vessel to the shores of Green Island.  The Coast Guard stated they are monitoring the pollution and stated it may take upwards of several days to clean up the spill.

The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident. Officials have stated they are looking into if the master of the fishing vessel had fallen asleep allowing the vessel to run aground.