On the afternoon of March 31, a 30 meter long barge capsized in Bay of Plenty at the marina of Tauranga, New Zealand. The barge was operating in the marina when it lost stability and tipped over onto its side. The onboard crane fell into in the water and 10 litres of diesel fuel was released into the water. Authorities placed booms around the vessel and used absorbent pads to collect the pollution. Reports state there were no injuries. Reports state the barge will be salvaged. Maritime NZ has launched an investigation into the incident.
On the early morning hours of March 25, the tugboat Sadong 33 capsized in Sarangani Bay near Maasim, Philippines. The Sadong 33 was towing the 59 meter long landing craft LCT Sea Asia (IMO:8843551) from Glan, Sarangani to Iligan City when its towline was struck by the 169 meter long, 28388 dwt bulk carrier Universe Kaisa (IMO: 9283849). The bulk carrier passed too close to the towing line causing the line to snap and resulting in the Sadong 33 to suddenly rollover.
Six of the eight crew were later rescued by the Philippine Coast Guard. The captain of the Sadong 33 and one other crew member perished. Authorities state the captain’s body was later recovered. There were no reports of injuries or damage on the Universe Kaisa or the LCT Sea Asia. Authorities have placed booms around the overturn Sadong 33 to contain any pollution released. Reports state the Sadong 33 had somewhere between 50 to 100 meters of towline between itself and the LCT Sea Asia during the incident. The Philippine Coast Guard has stated that legal charges may be filed against the master and crew of the Universe Kiza.
On the morning of March 17, the 44 meter long fishing vessel Pico Tresmares (IMO: 9098658) caught fire in the Pacific Ocean some 860 nautical miles off La Serena, Chile. The fire started in the vessel’s engine room and quickly grew out of control. The crew attempted to extinguish the blaze but were unsuccessful. All 19 crew would later abandoned ship into life rafts. The Pico Tresmares would later capsize and sink. Reports state the crew were later rescued by another fishing vessel. No reports of injuries.
