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Category: Sank

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.

Jacqueline A

Jacqueline A

Jacqueline A
Photo: North Myrtle Beach Rescue Squad

On August 8, the 18 meter long towboat Jacqueline A (MMSI: 367299940) sank 3 miles off North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The towboat was en route from Virginia to a shipyard in Harvey, Louisiana when it suffered water ingress. The three crew on board were unable to control the flooding and the Jacqueline A began to sink by the stern. The Jacqueline A requested assistance with the North Myrtle Beach Rescue Squad responding. Local responders aided in rescuing all three crewmembers. No reports of injuries.  Reports state the towboat sank in 30 feet of water.

Jacqueline A
Photo: North Myrtle Beach Rescue Squad

On August 21, the Jacqueline A was raised and salvaged from the bottom. The vessel sustained significant damage that the cost of repairs was more than the value of the towboat. The vessel was declared a total loss.  An investigation into the incident revealed that the vessel had multiple holes which allowed water to ingress through out the vessel.  Many bulkheads were rendered useless by holes used for wire runs. The investigation stated the vessel was known to be in poor condition and should have had a more thorough inspection before proceeding on its voyage.