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Category: Sank

Mitra Kencana X

Mitra Kencana X

Mitra Kencana X
Photo: disway.id

On the morning of October 15, the 26 meter long tug Mitra Kencana X (MMSI: 525006214) sank on the Musi River at Palembang, South Sumatra, Indonesia. The Mitra Kencana X was about to depart with the barge Sumber Kencana, loaded with 3,000 tons of crude palm oil, and head into the middle of the river. Due to the strong river current, the towline tighten causing the tugboat to lose stability and capsized onto its starboard hull. The tug quickly filled with water and sank.  All 10 crew members on board the Mitra Kencana X jumped overboard into the river. A nearby vessel rescue the crew and there were no reports of injuries.

Authorities were alerted of the incident and dispatched a response team to the scene. There was no signs of oil pollution in the area. An investigation was being conducted into the cause of the sinking. Initial findings suggest the sinking was due to the lack of pilot onboard the Mitra Kencana X when it departed.

Marigalante

Marigalante

Marigalante
Photo: hoy.com.do

On the afternoon of October 10, the wooden 700 ton, 3-masted sailing galleon Marigalante sank in the Pacific Ocean off Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The Marigalante had suffered water ingress after the mechanical failure of the bilge pump. Unable to control the flooding, water rose in the hull.  The 9 crew members on board attempted to repair the bilge system, but were unable to stop the flooding. The vessel quickly developed a starboard list and sank a short time later.  All the crew on board were safely evacuated and there were no injuries. No details were provided to how much pollution was released.

There was some speculation to the cause of the sinking. The Marigalante had withstood the passing tropical storm Raymond the prior day. However, authorities stated the high winds and large waves from the storm were not the cause of the vessel’s sinking. Mexican authorities did report the sailing vessel suffered structural damage when it sank. There will be an assessment made to see if the Marigalante could be raised and salvaged.

The Marigalante was built in 1982 as a replica to the carvel Santa Maria, the vessel which Christopher Columbus sailed in 1492, and took part of the commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America in 1992.  The vessel had 4 decks and could carry up to 240 passengers. Used in themed tours and nightly shows, the Marigalante continued to be in use in Puerto Vallarta.

Weesam Express

Weesam Express

Weesam Express
Photo: inquirer.net
On the early morning of October 7, the 226 gt passenger ferry Weesam Express (IMO: 9093062) sank in the Sulu Sea at Zamboanga, Philippines. The Weesam Express while docked in port suffered uncontrolled water ingress in the engine room. The crew spotted the water and engaged the vessel’s pumps, but the pumps were quickly overwhelmed.  The crew evacuated off Weesam Express to shore as the ferry developed a starboard list.  Strong waves in the area hastened the flooding causing the Weesam Express to capsize and sink leaving on a small part of the hull above water.
The Philippine Coast Guard placed booms around the sunken ferry to contain any pollution released. No reports of injuries. Reports stated the ferry had potentially suffered some mechanical breakdown allowing for the water ingress.