Sank - Shipwreck Log

Isla De Bioko

April 29, 2025 Paul Hancock

On the night of April 27, the 186 meter long, 51609 dwt tanker Isla De Bioko (IMO: 9767235) collided barges being pushed by the towboat Ginny Rose on the Mississippi River near New Orleans, Louisiana. The upbound Isla De Bioko collided with the barges as the Ginny Rose was maneuvering into the middle of the navigation channel. There were no injuries on either vessel, but one of the barges sank with its cargo of fertilizer (urea). Six other barges in the tow broke free and drifted downstream. Four barges would be later recovered and two barges became entangled in the anchor chains of the vessel Red Fin and Bulker Bee 30.

The Coast Guard temporarily closed traffic in the area until the sunken barge could be located. The barge would be found in 75 feet of water which was deemed safe to allow traffic to resumed. The Coast Guard also was able to recover the last 2 barges. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. Reports state there were plan to salvage the sunken barge.

Nhô Padre Benjamim

April 28, 2025 Paul Hancock

On the afternoon of April 14, the 91 meter long, 2560 dwt ro-ro cargo vessel Nhô Padre Benjamim (IMO: 7812919) sank in Preguiça Bay off the coast of São Nicolau, Cape Verde. The Nhô Padre Benjamim was en route from Palmeira to São Nicolau loaded with construction supplies and trucks bound for roadwork and construction at the Preguiça airport. As the vessel approached the São Nicolau, the vessel suffered uncontrolled water ingress on the vehicle deck. Reports state the crew tried to bring the flooding under control with pumps, but their efforts were unsuccessful. The Nhô Padre Benjamim would eventually sink by the stern.

The crew of 19 and the 1 passenger on board were able to safely abandon ship and were later rescued by local fishermen. No reports of injuries.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. Initial reports has place much focus on environmental concerns. There is a high risk that fuel and other oil pollution will seep out from the wreck. Due to the depth of the location of the wreck, it may be difficult to pump out the fuel and oil from the vessel.

News reports state the vessel owner claims the Nhô Padre Benjamim was well maintained and was in proper working condition prior to the incident. The vessel was not overloaded, but witnesses state the vessel departed with the stern lower in the water than usual. It is possible the investigation may reveal improper cargo stowage could have been a factor.

Long Tau River Collision

April 26, 2025 Paul Hancock

On the night of April 25, the 200 meter long, 34152 dwt container ship KMTC Surabaya (IMO: 9821081) collided with the 181 meter long, 37679 dwt bulk carrier Glengyle (IMO: 9727285) on the Long Tau River at An Thoi Dong, Ho chi Minh, Vietnam. The KMTC Surabaya bow struck the Glengyle just forward the superstructure along its port hull nearly breaking the vessel in two. With part of the hull ripped open, the Glengyle sustained uncontrolled water ingress in one of the holds and engine room causing the vessel to partially sink by the stern. The KMTC Surabaya sustained bow damage, but was able to contain the water ingress and was in no danger of sinking. There were no reports of injuries on either vessel.

Vietnamese Authorities responded to the incident and found the Glengyle had released oil pollution resulting in an oil sheen around both vessels. Containment booms were placed to contain the pollution.

Reports state the vessels were still locked together as both vessels drifted towards the shoreline. Salvage plans state the vessels will be pulled away from each other. Authorities state that maritime traffic in the area was not impacted by the incident. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.