John J. Boland

John J. Boland

John J. Boland

On the morning of October 10, the 207 meter long, 33438 dwt self-unloader bulk carrier John J. Boland (IMO: 7318901) became disabled on Lake St. Clair near the entrance to the Detroit River. The John J. Boland was headed to Toledo from Sault Ste. Marie when it suffered engine problems. The bulk carrier dropped anchor until tugs could be sent to assist.  The tugs, 19 meter long Minnesota (MMSI: 368343820) and 18 meter long Ohio (MMSI: 368067780), arrived on site a short time later and took the bulk carrier under tow. The vessels proceeded downbound to Detroit. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.

 

Collision at Terneuzen

Collision at Terneuzen

Ben Gus
Photo: schuttevaer.nl

On the morning of October 9, the 105 meter long self-propelled barge France (MMSI:205331090) collided with the self-propelled barge Ben Gus (MMSI:205384890) on the Western Scheldt in the Westbuitenhaven off Terneuzen, Netherlands. The France was locked into the Westbuitenhaven bound for Antwerp when it collided with the Ben Gus.  The France sustained hull damage with water ingress. No reports of injuries on either vessel.

Reports state tugs assisted both the Ben Gus and France to moorings. Divers were requested and made repairs to the France hull while the Ben Gus cargo was unloaded to another vessel. No reports of pollution released.

 

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.