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Tag: capsized

Caballo Eclipse

Caballo Eclipse

Caballo Eclipse
Photo: tribunacampeche.com

On January 27, the 77 meter long supply vessel Caballo Eclipse capsized and sank off Carmelite Island, Mexico. The unmanned Caballo Eclipse had been at anchor off the coast since 2017 when storm waves caused hull failure. A meter long crack on the port hull allowed uncontrolled water ingress into the vessel. The Caballo Eclipse partially filled with water before it capsized and partially sank with the hull resting on the bottom. No reports of injuries.

Reports state some diesel fuel had been released, but no details to the quantity of pollution was provided. Authorities did not state if any salvage or scrapping will be done to the vessel. The Caballo Eclipse had been considered abandoned since 2017 when her owners suffered financial problems.

Gyotoku Maru No. 1

Gyotoku Maru No. 1

Gyotoku Maru No. 1
Photo: Japan Coast Guard

The 15 meter long fishing vessel Gyotoku Maru No. 1 capsized in the Pacific Ocean near the island of Palau. The Gyotoku Maru No. 1 had been fishing for tuna with 7 crew when it sent out a distress call.  Authorities from Japan, Palau and United States dispatched aircraft and ships to the area.  When rescuers arrived on scene, they found the longliner capsized on its starboard hull and partially sunk. Pollution could be spotted as the diesel fuel had leaked from the fishing vessel.  However, there was no signs of the 7 crewmen. Reports state authorities continue to search the area for the missing crew.

Gyotoku Maru No. 1
Photo: Japan Coast Guard
Seikongen

Seikongen

seikongen
Photo: aqua.cl

On October 18, the 69.5 meter long, 2494 dwt fish carrier Seikongen capsized and sank near Puerto Montt, Chile. The Seikongen loaded with 200 kilos of salmon bound for Chonchi when it suffered water ingress in the bow.  Even though the Seikongen was nearly brand new, the fish carrier’s pumps were unable to control the flooding.  To avoid sinking, the master of the Seikongen changed course for the closest shallow water.  The Seikongen was able to run aground and it looked if the vessel would avoid sinking. However, the flooding continued causing the vessel to lose stability and develop a list to starboard.  A short time later the vessel rolled over onto its side and sank just below the surface.

Reports state the 11 crew on board the Seikongen were safely evacuated before the vessel sank.  Authorities deployed booms around the wreck in hopes to contain any pollution released. The Seikongen had some 67,000 litres of fuel on board at the time. Chilean Navy divers have inspected the hull and report no fuel leaks.  Authorities have also stated the cargo of 37,000 salmon have most likely perished in the holds and would be left in the sealed holds to avoid damaging the environment.

The owners of the Seikongen are coordinating salvage efforts with Chilean authorities. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.