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Category: Pollution

Tropical Storm Kristine

Tropical Storm Kristine

The following are vessels impacted by Tropical Storm Kristine on October 23, 2024.

ASC Big Boy

LCT ASC Big Boy

The cargo vessel LCT ASC Bigboy (MMSI: 548111381) broke its anchor chains and drifted ashore about 160 feet from Barangay Sugod. The vessel’s engines were unable to free the vessel from the beach. Reports stated the LCT ASC Bigboy released oil pollution from a puncture in the port fuel tank. No reports of injuries to the 17 crew on board.

LCT Golden Bella

The 62 meter long, cargo vessel LCT Golden Bella (MMSI: 600010885) ran aground in Cebu after strong winds and rough seas broke one of its anchor chains. The other anchor failed and the vessel ran ashore.  The vessel will be inspected by divers for damage before it is refloated by a tug.

 

MTKR Cassandra

Reports state the tanker Cassandra docked at the ferry berth in Batangas after seized by the Bureau of Customers on October 16.  The master and the 11 crew of the Cassandra have been charged with oil smuggling. When the storm struck the vessel a week later, the tanker sustained hull damage as wind and waves pressed the vessel against the quay.  Additional reports state the vessel sustained some water ingress possibly from hull damage below the waterline. The Cassandra has developed a list to port while still berthed in Batangas.  Authorities report oil pollution has been seen in the water around the tanker.

MV Xavier 1

The dredge MV Xavier 1 (MMSI: 548397700) ran ashore in Barangay Buenlag caused by storm surge. The vessel had been at anchor, but the strong winds and high waves blew the dredge ashore. No reports of injuries to the 13 crew on board.

Duplo

Duplo

Duplo
Photo: blv.no

On October 13, the workboat Duplo sunk in Sortlandssundet south of Bremnes, Norway. Reports state the workboat had started taking on water and the one person on board requested assistance. A nearby fishing boat was able to safely rescue the sole crew person before the Duplo capsized and sank.  No reports of injuries.

Duplo
Photo: blv.no

Authorities dispatched the coast guard vessel Heimdal to the scene, but it arrived after the Duplo had sunk. Additional vessels arrived to remove wreckage floating on the surface. Reports state there was a light sheen of oil visible on the water where the vessel sank.

The direct cause of the sinking was not disclosed. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

HMNZS Manawanui

HMNZS Manawanui

Manawanui
Photo: stuff.co.nz

On the evening of October 5, the 85 meter long, 2800 dwt Royal New Zealand Navy hydrographic dive and survey ship HMNZS Manawanui (IMO: 9273662) ran aground and sank off the the island of Upolu, Samoa.  The HMNZS Manawanui was doing an hydrographic survey 1 mile off the shore off a reef when it ran aground on the reef.  Reports state the vessel struck a part of the reef that is much deeper than other sections known as a bommie. Due to the rough conditions and high winds the vessel most likely hit the reef in a swell causing the hull the strike the reef. The hull sustained significant damage and multiple compartments flooded. The survey ship was setting by the stern and developed a list to starboard.

Manawanui
Photo: stuff.co.nz

Unable to contain the water ingress, all 75 crew and passengers abandoned ship onto the vessel’s life rafts. Local Samoa authorities responded to the incident and dispatched rescue craft to the scene. Rescuers were able to transport all 75 people off the life rafts and safely ashore. Reports state 2 individuals sustained minor injuries and were taken to hospital.  A dozen more sustained minor cuts and abrasions from contact with the reef.

Around the 7am the following morning of October 6, the HMNZS Manawanui was still visible above the water with a severe list. Dense smoke was spotted billowing out of the vessel suggesting a fire had engulf part of the superstructure. By 9 am the HMNZS Manawanui had finally rolled over and sunk.

Samoan authorities are monitoring the area for any pollution released. New Zealand authorities have dispatched a C-130 aircraft to Samoa with medical supplies, personnel and some light clean-up equipment. While no reports of oil pollution, there is a high chance of some fuel or hydraulic oil has been released.

Reports suggest the survey vessel may have lost power before it ran aground, but this has not been verified. Reports state there is some discussion if the vessel will be salvaged, but a site inspection will gather information to see if any salvage is feasible.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident including a Court of Inquiry as the HMNZS Manawanui was purchased in 2019 for $100 million.