The 96 meter long, 3884 dwt asphalt tanker Bitu Gulf sank in the South China Sea off Phang Rang, Vietnam. The Bitu Gulf was en route to Quy Nhon from Singapore when it suffered uncontrolled water ingress. The crew sent out a mayday which was received by the container ship Ever Summit. The Boxship changed course and located the Bitu Gulf’s crew in a lifeboat. All 16 crewmen were safely rescued. Reports state the cause of the flooding was not yet known.
The cargo ship Sportivo collided with the cargo vessel Jehan in the Iloilo Strait, Philippines. The Sportivo, loaded with 28,000 sacks of fertilizer bound for Palawan, had dropped anchor in the Iloilo Strait due to the bad conditions brought on by tropical depression Lingling. A few hours later the Sportivo attempted to continue its voyage and lifted anchor. However, the vessel suffered engine problems and began to drift. The heavy seas and strong winds pushed the Sportivo until it struck the MV Jehan. The Sportivo hull was holed and suffered uncontrolled water ingress. The 29 crew on the Sportivo abandoned ship and were safely rescued a short time later. The Sportivo sank with 12,000 litres of bunker fuel on board. An oil sheen was reported where the vessel sank. The Philippine Coast Guard has dispatched an unit to the scene to help contain the pollution.
The 38 foot long tugboat Sea Lion sank off Atlantic Beach, Long Island, New York. The Sea Lion became swamped when it encountered six foot waves over its bow. The Sea Lion was able to send out a mayday call, but the four crew on board were forced to quickly abandon ship and jump into the sea. The Coast Guard along with other nearby vessels came to the crew’s aid. Two crew were pulled from the water by the Coast Guard while the other two were rescued by a nearby vessel. One crewman from the Sea Lion suffered serious injuries. No reports of pollution released. The Sea Lion was crossing New York Harbour at the time of the sinking.
