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Category: Capsize

Meridian Tres

Meridian Tres

Meridian Tres
Photo: inquirer.net

On November 17, the 86 meter long, 3506 dwt cargo vessel Meridian Tres capsized and sank near  Dawahon Island, Philippines. The Meridian Tres departed from Tacloban City bound for Cebu City with a cargo of 160  20-foot containers.  Gale warnings had been posted but waters were still calm leaving the port.

Six hours later while off Dawahon Island, the seas increased intensity. Heavy seas and strong winds pummeled the cargo vessel.  Before the Meridian Tres could find any shelter, the heavy seas caused the stack of containers on the cargo deck to shift. Unable to maintain stability, the vessel quickly developed a severe list to port. With no hope to save the cargo ship, the master sent out a distress call and ordered the crew to abandon ship.

The Philippines Coast Guard received the call and quickly responded.  Aided by three  nearby vessels (LCT-PMI 8, Filipinas Butuan and Ocean Kingdom), a search and rescue operation to search for survivors. Twenty-eight crew were later rescued, but one crew member was still listed as missing.

Reports state the Meridian Trese continued to float before it finally capsized and sank a short time later. The Philippine Coast Guard has dispatched vessels to monitor the area for possible pollution released.

Star King

Star King

The 55 foot long fishing vessel Star King capsized and sank off the entrance to the Columbia River near Warrenton, Oregon. The fishing vessel began taking on water during the early morning hours.  Unable to control the flooding, the crew sent out a distress call  just before the fishing vessel capsized. The five crew on board were able to escape and abandon ship into the sea. The nearby crab fishing vessel Sea Ballad responded to the distress call and pulled the five crew from the water. No reports of injuires.

The Star King had some 300 gallons of fuel on board, but no signs of pollution have been reported. Reports state the crew had been fortunate to have donned survival suits which prevented any casualties. The Coast Guard states the sunken Star King is a navigation hazard, but it is not blocking traffic.

 

Starlite Atlantic

Starlite Atlantic

Starlite Atlantic
Photo: shipspotting.com

The 71 meter long, 634 dwt ro-ro ferry Starlite Atlantic sank off Barangay Corona in Tingloy, Batangas, Philippines. The ferry with 23 persons on board was caught at the height of typhoon Nina  (Nock-Ten). The Starlite Atlantic had been pushed by strong winds into the shallow waters and ran upon the rocks. Sustaining multiple hull breaches the ro-ro suffered uncontrolled water ingress. Unable to maintain stability, the Starlite Atlatnic capsized a short time later.

The incident was reported to local authorities and the Philippine Coast Guard. Fourteen persons were rescued from the water and taken to hospital. One passenger perished and her body was recovered. Eight people are still reported as missing. The Coast Guard conducted a search and rescue operation into the next day when it was called off due to conditions.