Sank - Shipwreck Log

The Philippine Coast Guard reports the cargo vessel Sta. Monica-A1 has foundered in waters off Paluan, Philippines. On October 22, the Sta. Monica-A1 had departed from Sta. Cruz, Taytay, Palawan bound for Casia with 10 crew and a cargo of 100 water buffalos. The vessel encountered rough seas caused by Super Typhoon Kristine and the vessel was attempting to seek shelter. For several days the vessel owners, Synergy Sea Venture Inc., were unable to contact the vessel. The hope was the vessel had sought shelter in a remote area and it was just unable to communicate. By October 27 the owners contacted authorities their vessel was missing. The Philippine Coast Guard requested vessels in the area for assistance and to keep a lookout for the Sta. Monica-A1.

On October 28, a local fishermen reported seeing multiple bodies and number of dead animals floating in the water some 14 nautical miles off Paluan. The following day a life jacket marked “MV STA MONICA-A1” along with two life rings were pulled from the water some 10 miles off Paluan and later secured by the Philippine Coast Guard. Authorities have launched search for further debris along with aerial search for additional signs of the vessel. Reports state several gas tanks were pulled from the water off Paluan.

Reports state search operations will continue with weather and sea conditions permitting.

Svanen West

October 29, 2024 Paul Hancock

On October 28, the 24 meter long charter vessel Svanen West (MMSI: 265566860) sank on the Göta älv river at the quay in Gothenburg, Sweden. The vessel had sunk at its berth leaving only its masts and part of the wheelhouse above the water.

Authorities were alerted and dispatched a response team to the scene. Oil and diesel fuel was leaking from the vessel and authorities placed booms around the vessel to contain the pollution. No one was onboard the Svanen West at the time of the sinking. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

Humadivi

October 28, 2024 Paul Hancock

On the morning of October 12, the 67 meter long self-propelled barge Humadivi (MMSI: 205419480) sank on the Meuse off Borgharen, Belgium. The Humadivi had departed from Bosscherveld with a cargo of white sand when it run into issues on the Meuse. The barge was caught by strong currents and was pulled into an open gate on the Borgharen weir. The stern of the Humadivi became wedge in the opening allowing the river to quickly flood into the vessel’s holds and later sinking the barge. The two crew on board were safely rescued and were unharmed.

An initial salvage with towlines was attempted, but it failed to budge the Humadivi from the bottom. Another attempt dredged around the barge, removed the cargo hatches and lightered the remaining cargo of sand, but the Humadivi could not be lifted. Several days later additional pumps and a winch cable system were able to free the vessel from the weir. The Humadivi was pulled away where it was towed to Beatrixhaven. There the vessel was completely pumped free of water so a crane could lift and place it atop another barge so it can be taken to a shipyard for repairs. Reports state most of the cargo of white sand had been washed away during the incident.

An inspection of the weir found it sustained little to no damage and the opening was closed allowing the water level to rise on the Meuse. Reports state vessel traffic could be resumed on October 19.