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.
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.
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.
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.
Photo: facebook.com/sfesa2017
Photo: facebook.com/sfesa2017
Photo: facebook.com/sfesa2017
Photo: facebook.com/sfesa2017
Photo: facebook.com/sfesa2017
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.
On September 19, the 169 meter long, 28,375 dwt bulk carrier Transformer OL collided with the fishing vessel BV99778TS some 22 nautical miles southeast of Con Dao, Vietnam. The Transformer OL was headed for Vung Tau from Chittagong when it struck the fishing vessel. The BV99778TS capsized and partially sank sending all of its 14 crew into the sea. The nearby fishing boats, BV99359TS and BV99278TS, responded and rescued 12 of the crew and brought them ashore. One crewman sustained serious injuries who was taken ashore to Con Dao for treatment. No reports of damage, injuries or pollution released on the Transformer OL.
The Vietnam Coast Guard was contacted and launched a search and rescue for the 2 missing crew. The Coast Guard conducted a search over 2 days in worsening weather as waves increased to 7 meters high and winds reaching 45 miles per hour. On September 21, the Coast Guard Ship 2011 found the body of one of the missing crew. The body was recovered and was transported back to shore to authorities and family. No further details reported.
