Browsed by
Tag: Cape Verde

Nhô Padre Benjamim

Nhô Padre Benjamim

Nhô Padre Benjamim
Photo: brava.news

On the afternoon of April 14, the 91 meter long, 2560 dwt ro-ro cargo vessel Nhô Padre Benjamim (IMO: 7812919) sank in Preguiça Bay off the coast of São Nicolau, Cape Verde. The Nhô Padre Benjamim was en route from Palmeira to São Nicolau loaded with construction supplies and trucks bound for roadwork and construction at the Preguiça airport. As the vessel approached the São Nicolau, the vessel suffered uncontrolled water ingress on the vehicle deck. Reports state the crew tried to bring the flooding under control with pumps, but their efforts were unsuccessful. The Nhô Padre Benjamim would eventually sink by the stern.

The crew of 19 and the 1 passenger on board were able to safely abandon ship and were later rescued by local fishermen. No reports of injuries.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. Initial reports has place much focus on environmental concerns. There is a high risk that fuel and other oil pollution will seep out from the wreck. Due to the depth of the location of the wreck, it may be difficult to pump out the fuel and oil from the vessel.

News reports state the vessel owner claims the Nhô Padre Benjamim was well maintained and was in proper working condition prior to the incident. The vessel was not overloaded, but witnesses state the vessel departed with the stern lower in the water than usual. It is possible the investigation may reveal improper cargo stowage could have been a factor.

Soby

Soby

 

Soby
Photo: expressodasilhas.sapo.cv

The 55 meter long, 471 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry Soby capsized at Mindelo, Sao Vincente Island, Cape Verde. The Soby was unloading containers when one container slid on the vessel’s deck. The ferry continued to tilt with a heavy list to port. All the crew evacuated the Soby before it capsized and partially sank on its port side hull.

There are no reports of water pollution, but authorities are monitoring the area for leaks. Salvage operations will begin on the next high tide. Reports state the vessel had over 1oo tons of cargo still on board at the time.

 

Vicente

Vicente

Vicente

On January 8, the 57 meter long, 200 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry Vicente sank off Sao Filipe, Fogo Island, Cape Verde.  The ferry left Praia with 22 passengers and 4 crew along with a cargo of vehicles and containers bound for Sao Filipe.  The ferry was dealing with heavy weather when the ferry sank 3 nautical miles off Fogo Island.  Authorities dispatched two vessels to scene to search for survivors.  Initial reports stated 3 survivors were pulled from the water.  As search and rescue operations continued, another 8 survivors were rescued. Three bodies were also recovered.  An official stated there was still 12 missing, but the chances to find additional survivors were low. The cause of the sinking was no reported.  Some reports have alluded that the ferry may have been overloaded while authorities have stated the cause was the bad weather.