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Tag: Catamaran

MV Butiraoi

MV Butiraoi

MV Butiraoi

The 17.5 meter long wooden catamaran ferry Butiraoi was reported missing in the Pacific Ocean in the Kiribati Islands. The Butiraoi had departed from Nonouti on January 18 bound for Betio. The voyage of 160 miles typically takes 2 days to complete failed to arrive on January 20.  A search began for the missing vessel including aircraft from New Zealand and Fiji.

Reports state no signs of the vessel or the 50 persons on board as of January 26. The search includes many small atolls in a wide area. Additional reports state the catamaran had undergone repairs to its propeller shaft just before departing Nonouti.

MV Butiraoi

Update:

A New Zealand aircraft spotted seven survivors in a small boat on a search on January 28. The aircraft dropped supplies to the survivors while authorities requested assistance from vessels in the area. The fishing vessel Lomalo which is 92 kilometers away from the survivors is expected to reach the survivors later the same day.

Survivors have told authorities over radio that the ferry had lost stability and capsized. They had little time and had just enough time to get into the small dinghy before the ferry sank. The dinghy had no engine or water on board.

Reports state additional debris has been spotted in the search area.

KAI Shiuan No. 3

KAI Shiuan No. 3

KAI Shiuan No. 3
Photo: ltn.com.tw

The 40 meter long high speed catamaran ferry KAI Shiuan No. 3 ran aground in the Taiwan Straits off Taiwan. The ferry was en route from Penghu Island to Dongshi, Chiayi, Taiwan with 346 passengers when it suffered engine failure.  The catamaran went adrift until it ran aground some 8 miles off Taiwan. The vessel sustained hull damage and suffered water ingress. The crew sent out a distress call with the Taiwan Coast Guard responding.

The Coast Guard dispatched four rescue boats to the scene assisted by another passenger ship.  Rescuers evacuated all 346 passengers off the KAI Shiuan No. 3.  No reports of injuries. Reports state the passengers were calm and there was no panic on board, but several passengers stated they were nervous. No further details reported on the status of the KAI Shiuan No. 3.

 

Whaling City Express

Whaling City Express

Whaling City Express
Photo: uscg

The 25 meter long catamaran ferry Whaling City Express ran aground just off the pier at Highlands, New Jersey. The ferry with 95 passengers was about to dock at Highlands when it ran aground just 200 yards short of the pier.

The Whaling City Express alerted the Coast Guard of the incident.  A rescue crew was dispatched to the scene along with the ferry New Jersey. The Coast Guard supervised the safe transfer of passengers off the Whaling City Express over to the ferry New Jersey. No reports of injuries.

During the transfer of passengers, the Whaling City Express was refloated. Both the New Jersey and Whaling City Express proceeded to berth at Highlands. No reports of damage or pollution released. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.