On the night of October 13, the 41 meter long, 389 gt fishing vessel Armana (IMO: 5024611) caught fire on the South Atlantic Ocean 60 nautical miles south of Gansbaai on the Western Cape, South Africa. Unable to contain the blaze and fearing the 62 year old fishing vessel was likely to sink, the 20 crew on board abandoned the fishing trawler into 2 life rafts. The nearby fishing vessel Ludwani was able to safely rescue all 20 crew without incident.
Photo: SAMSA
Authorities state the Armana remained afloat until the following day when it finally sank. The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) has launched an investigation into the incident. The source of the fire was not reported.
On October 13, the workboat Duplo sunk in Sortlandssundet south of Bremnes, Norway. Reports state the workboat had started taking on water and the one person on board requested assistance. A nearby fishing boat was able to safely rescue the sole crew person before the Duplo capsized and sank. No reports of injuries.
Photo: blv.no
Authorities dispatched the coast guard vessel Heimdal to the scene, but it arrived after the Duplo had sunk. Additional vessels arrived to remove wreckage floating on the surface. Reports state there was a light sheen of oil visible on the water where the vessel sank.
The direct cause of the sinking was not disclosed. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
On the evening of October 5, the 85 meter long, 2800 dwt Royal New Zealand Navy hydrographic dive and survey ship HMNZS Manawanui (IMO: 9273662) ran aground and sank off the the island of Upolu, Samoa. The HMNZS Manawanui was doing an hydrographic survey 1 mile off the shore off a reef when it ran aground on the reef. Reports state the vessel struck a part of the reef that is much deeper than other sections known as a bommie. Due to the rough conditions and high winds the vessel most likely hit the reef in a swell causing the hull the strike the reef. The hull sustained significant damage and multiple compartments flooded. The survey ship was setting by the stern and developed a list to starboard.
Photo: stuff.co.nz
Unable to contain the water ingress, all 75 crew and passengers abandoned ship onto the vessel’s life rafts. Local Samoa authorities responded to the incident and dispatched rescue craft to the scene. Rescuers were able to transport all 75 people off the life rafts and safely ashore. Reports state 2 individuals sustained minor injuries and were taken to hospital. A dozen more sustained minor cuts and abrasions from contact with the reef.
Photo: facebook.com/sfesa2017
Photo: facebook.com/sfesa2017
Photo: facebook.com/sfesa2017
Photo: facebook.com/sfesa2017
Photo: facebook.com/sfesa2017
Around the 7am the following morning of October 6, the HMNZS Manawanui was still visible above the water with a severe list. Dense smoke was spotted billowing out of the vessel suggesting a fire had engulf part of the superstructure. By 9 am the HMNZS Manawanui had finally rolled over and sunk.
Samoan authorities are monitoring the area for any pollution released. New Zealand authorities have dispatched a C-130 aircraft to Samoa with medical supplies, personnel and some light clean-up equipment. While no reports of oil pollution, there is a high chance of some fuel or hydraulic oil has been released.
Reports suggest the survey vessel may have lost power before it ran aground, but this has not been verified. Reports state there is some discussion if the vessel will be salvaged, but a site inspection will gather information to see if any salvage is feasible.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident including a Court of Inquiry as the HMNZS Manawanui was purchased in 2019 for $100 million.
