Sank - Shipwreck Log

Cargo Vessel Sunk By Typhoon Matmo

July 23, 2014 Paul Hancock

The 160 meter long, 14395 dwt cargo ship Ana sank just off shore of Lianjiang Road, Fuzhou, China. The Ana been at anchor off Lianjiang since July 8 when the cargo ship had become disabled in heavy seas. The disabled Ana tried to ride out the storm surge as Typhoon Matmo passed near the area, but the vessel’s anchor dragged. As the Ana was being blown ashore, the crew sent out a distress call. Chinese authorities dispatched helicopters to the scene. All 17 crewmen on the Ana were listed to safety. No reports of injuries.

POSH Mogami

July 20, 2014 Paul Hancock

The 150 meter long, 30500 dwt submersible barge POSH Mogami sank off Batam Island near Sekupang, Indonesia. The barge with 9 crew on board was conducting submerging trials when the vessel sank. Six of the crew were rescued by Indonesian authorities, but three others were unable to escape and perished. Authorities state the crew were testing the barge by submerging part of the vessel that required repairs. The test was to pump out the water to allow the Mogami to rise again. However, the test failed the vessel sank. Reports state there would be further investigations into the incident.

Gelis Rauh Burned To Water’s Edge

July 17, 2014 Paul Hancock

The 72 meter long, 348 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry Gelis Rauh caught fire while in the Lombok Strait near Padangbai, Bali. The Gelis Rauh was en route to Lombok Island with 53 passengers, 13 lorries and 20 crew when fire erupted from the car deck. The fire quickly spread through the superstructure and soon engulfed the entire ferry. Uncontrolled, the fire disabled the ferry and the vessel drifted until it grounded just short of the shore. Fire boats and fire fighters operating from shore tried to contain the blaze, but it consumed the ferry down to the water’s edge. The remains of the Gelis Rauh partially sank a short time later.

Reports state all persons on board were able to abandon ship. Several people suffered minor burns and were taken to hospital for treatment. Reports state the evacuation off the vessel was slowed due to incorrect lighting on the ferry.