The 39 meter long tanker MTKR Jason Bradley sank in Manila Bay near Mariveles, Bataan, Philippines. The tanker sank some 600 yards offshore in 9 meters of water resting on the muddy bottom. No reports of injuries.
The MTKR Jason Bradley had no cargo onboard when it sank. The Philippine Coast Guard dispatched divers to the scene to inspect the vessel. Divers found there were several leaks from the engine room releasing diesel fuel. The owners of the MTKR Jason Bradley is preparing to salvage the tanker within one to two weeks.
The 56 meter long, 599 gt general cargo vessel Fu Shun (IMO: 8545654) sank some 19 miles off Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The Fu Shun had developed a list from water ingress caused by the high winds and waves from Typhoon Gaemi. The vessel alerted authorities early in the morning that it had developed a list and was in distress. The cargo vessel quickly lost stability as the list increased to nearly 45 degrees. The 9 crew on board were unable to reach the life raft on board and were forced to jump overboard adorning just life jackets. The crew jumped into the sea as one group of four with another group of five. The waves quickly separated the men as conditions were too severe for authorities to reach them.
Reports state two crew were found alive having reached the coast near Fengbitou. Another two crewmen would reach the shore a short time afterwards. Unfortunately, locals also found the body fo the master of the Fu Sun. He had been driven up against the rocks and killed. Authorities state four crew still are reported as missing. Reports state the missing crewmen had their life jackets wash away from them during the storm.
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.
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.
