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Category: Capsize

Terra Nova

Terra Nova

The 65 meter long tanker Terra Nova capsized and sank six kilometers off Lamao Point, Bataan, Philippines. The tanker was enroute from Iloilo City with 1494 tons of fuel oil on board when it had suffered a mechanical breakdown and taken under tow.  As Typhoon Gaemi was passing over the area, the tanker was swamped by the heavy seas causing the Terra Nova to capsize and sink.  Reports state 16 of the 17 crew on board were later rescued.  One crewman perished when the Terra Nova sank.

Terra Nova
Photo: Philippine Coast Guard

The Philippine Coast Guard reported an oil slick had developed over the sunken tanker. The slick stretched some 12 kilometers threatening local fishing and beaches. Authorities dispatched barriers and oil skimmers to the scene to help mitigate the pollution. Divers inspected the sunken tanker to ensure the tank valves were sealed to prevent further oil leaking.  Authorities state they plan to siphon the oil off the tanker before the Terra Nova will be towed to a shallower area.

Update July 29:

News reports state the Terra Nova is still leaking oil and the oil slick has not yet been contained.

Miss Peggy

Miss Peggy

Miss Peggy

On July 16, the 55 foot long towboat Miss Peggy (MMSI: 366935050) capsized on the Houston Ship Channel near the Lynchburg Ferry crossing. Reports state the Miss Peggy lost stability when the 656 foot long bulk carrier Yangze 7 was passing nearby. Four of the five crew on board the Miss Peggy were later rescued by nearby vessels. The Coast Guard and local authorities search the area for man than a day for the missing crewman before his body was recovered.

Salvage of the Miss Peggy was launched quickly after the incident. A large crane barge was able to right and bring the towboat up to the surface. The United States Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.

Ultra Galaxy

Ultra Galaxy

Ultra Galaxy
Photo: samsa.org.za

The 124 meter long, 13,802 dwt cargo vessel Ultra Galaxy (IMO: 9449352) became disabled some 60 nautical miles west of Doring Bay, South Africa. The vessel was heading to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania when it suffered a heavy list.  The 18 crew on board were unable to right the vessel and feared the Ultra Galaxy would capsize as winds reached 12 knots per hour and swells reaching up to 6 meters.  The 18 crew onboard determined the vessel was lost and abandoned ship in one of the vessel’s life rafts.

Alerted by an EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) from the Ultra Galaxy, authorities sent out a broadcast to nearby vessels for assistance. Two nearby cargo vessels Fivos and Rio Grande Express changed course to assist. A nearby fishing vessel Malachite also diverted and aided with rescue efforts.  These vessels were able to find the Ultra Galaxy life raft and were able to safely transfer all 18 crew to the Malachite. No reports of injuries.

Ultra galaxy