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Category: Capsize

Shoei Maru

Shoei Maru

Yiannis N. G.

On the evening of November 23, the 14 meter long, 19 gt towboat Shoei Maru collided with the 230 meter long, 81,043 dwt bulk carrier Yiannis N. G. (IMO: 9701308) in Osaka Bay near Kobe, Japan. Reports state the Yiannis N. G. had struck the Shoei Maru causing the towboat to capsize.  The Japan Coast Guard and the local fire department launched a search and rescue operation looking for the three crew of the Shoei Maru. One of the crew was found conscious in the water. He would be rescued and later taken to hospital.  Reports state another of the crew was found trapped in the overturned vessel. A search for the missing crew person is still ongoing.

Reports state there was no report of injuries to the 21 crew of the Yiannis N. G. and there was no damage to the bulk carrier. Authorities state they have launched an investigation into the incident.

 

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.