Ferry Aground Again

Ferry Aground Again

East Cowes
Photo: islandecho.co.uk

A chain ferry servicing between East and West Cowes ran aground at East Cowes, River Medina.  The “floating bridge” had become stuck along the shoreline when the tide receded.  No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.  Ferry service was suspended for several hours until the following high tide.  The same ferry became stranded a month earlier when it had become delayed unloading vehicles as the tide went out.

Related articles
Sabre Spirit

Sabre Spirit

Sabre Spirit
Photo: uscg

The 190 foot long  ro-ro cargo vessel Sabre Spirit ran aground off Current Cut between Saint Thomas and Great Saint James in the US Virgin Islands.  The vessel was en route to Charlotte Amalie, Saint Thomas from Tortola, British Virgin Islands when it grounded.  The Sabre Spirit suffered some hull damage and water ingress. No reports of injuries to the 12 crew on board.   Authorities from St. Thomas arrived on scene and temporary repairs were completed. The Sabre Spirit was refloated on the following high tide and proceeded to Crown Bay, Saint Thomas.  No reports of pollution released. The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.

Related articles
Ferry MCY lost off Vanuatu

Ferry MCY lost off Vanuatu

The ferry MCY capsized and sank off Efate Island near Mangaliliu, Vanuatu.  The ferry left Malekula to Port Vila loaded with fuel and cargo with 41 passengers and crew on board.  After travelling several kilometers out to sea, the MCY’s engines failed.  The ferry drifted for several hours when it rolled over and sank in 350 meters of water.   No distress call was sent by the vessel, but a passenger used a mobile phone to call the police station in Port Vila.  A rescue vessel was dispatched and picked up 37 survivors and were taken to Port Vila.   Three passengers and one crewman perished.  Reports state the ferry had made repairs to a hole in the hull prior to leaving Malekula. Unconfirmed reports state the repairs failed to stop the water ingress resulting in the loss of stability.  Also, the ferry was overloaded as it was rated only to carry up to 30 passengers.  The Vanuatu Prime Minister has vowed a full investigation into the incident.

Related articles