capsized – Shipwreck Log

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.

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.

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.

Persian Gulf Collision

September 10, 2024 Paul Hancock

On September 9, the 129 meter long, 8650 dwt cargo vessel Knidos (IMO: 9214173) collided with the 169 meter long, 28,396 dwt bulk carrier Nadeen (IMO: 9324710) in the Persian Gulf off the coast of Iran. The Knidos was enroute to the port of Mina Saqr from Dammam, Saudi Arabia when it was struck by the Nadeen in the starboard stern quarter of the hull. The Knidos suffered uncontrolled water ingress in the vessel’s engine room. The crew unable to stop the flooding abandoned ship in the Knidos‘s life raft. All 13 crew were rescued from the raft and taken aboard the Nadeen. No reports of injuries.

Unconfirmed reports state the Knidos capsized and sank after the collision. No details reported if any damage on the Nadeen. The cause of the collision is under investigation.

Super Typhoon Yagi

September 9, 2024 Paul Hancock

On September 7th, Super Typhoon Yagi, also named Tropical Storm Enteng in the Philippines, made landfall in Vietnam as a Category 5 storm. Yagi had winds over 160 miles per hour when it struck the Vietnam coast near Quang Ninh. The storm surge and large waves quickly impacted vessels anchored in the port Tuần Châu in Quảng Ninh. Many vessels had been securely moored prior to the storm landing, but many vessels were swamped by the waves. Crews did attempt to pump out the water ingress, but they were unable to save the vessels which sunk by the stern.

Reports say over 30 vessels damaged or sunk by the Typhoon. Here is a partial list of vessels impacted by Super Typhoon Yagi:

Passenger Ship Victory Star, QN-8899 capsized by strong winds and partially sunk off Ha Long.
Passenger Ship Hai Ninh, 48 QN-6108 sunk by the stern at Tuần Châu.
Passenger Ship Binh Minh, 48 QN-6048 sunk by the stern at Tuần Châu.
Passenger Ship 40 QN-3016 sunk by the stern at Tuần Châu.
Passenger Ship Do Thi Nga, 48 QN-5508 sunk by the stern at Tuần Châu.
Fishing Vessel QNg 95109TS sunk by waves in Ha Long with 5 crew on board. All five crew rescued by a food processing vessel with no injuries.
Fishing Vessel QNg 95576TS sunk by waves while anchored off Ha Long with 6 crew on board. All six crew swam ashore safely.
Fishing Vessel [Unnamed] sunk by waves in Ha Long with 2 crew on board. Both crew were rescued by a food processing vessel.