Sank - Shipwreck Log

On October 21, the passenger ship Viola QN 2972 collided with the bulk carrier HNA 0208 in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam. The Viola was en route from Quang Ninh to pick up passengers that needed transportation to another passenger ship. When the vessel was off Hon Ma it collided with the HNA 0208. The Viola sustained significant hull damage and water ingress. The crew was unable to control the flooding as the engine room filled with water. The nearby passenger ship Bai Tho rushed to the scene and was able to quickly transfer the 4 crew off the Viola before it sank.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

Ed McLaughlin

February 8, 2019 Paul Hancock

The 18 meter long, 83 gt towboat Ed McLaughlin capsized and sank on the Ohio River near Cheshire, Ohio. The towboat was near mile marker 259 when it lost stability and capsized. All three crewmen on board the Ed McLaughlin were able to abandon ship before the towboat sank. The crew were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. The Coast Guard reports the Ed McLaughlin had some 4900 gallons of diesel fuel on board at the time of the sinking. A response team was on scene and is monitoring the situation. A light sheen has been spotted in the river suggesting some fuel has leaked from the Ed McLaughlin. The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.

Star Centurion

January 14, 2019 Paul Hancock

On January 13, the 144 meter long, 13360 dwt pipe layer vessel Star Centurion was struck by the 176 meter long, 40094 dwt tanker Antea in the Singapore Strait off Bintan Island, Indonesia. The Star Centurion had been at anchor when the Antea struck the pipelay vessel amidships. The Star Centurion’s hull was holed and suffered water ingress. The vessel’s pumps were unable to keep up with the flooding and the Star Centurion developed a severe list. All 22 crew on the Star Centurion abandoned ship into the lifeboats before the pipe layer capsized onto its port side and partially sank. No reports of injuries.

Indonesian authorities have dispatched vessels to monitor the wreck. The Star Centurion’s hull remains partially above water. Reports state the Antea had sustained damage, but was able to proceed under its own power to the port of Kuala Sungai Linggi. The owners of the Star Centurion have awarded Smit Salvage the contract to salvage the vessel.