The 354 gt ro-ro ferry Super Shuttle Ferry 10 went aground off Cebu, Philippines. The ferry was about to depart for Leyte when the vessel grounded. No reports of injuries to any of the 63 passengers or 18 crew. The Super Shuttle Ferry 10 suffered no damage and no pollution was released. The Philippine Coast Guard is investigating the incident.
The 11,405 dwt passenger ro-ro ferry Thomas Aquinas sank after collision with the 146 meter long, 9,691 dwt freighter Sulpicio Express Siete. The ferry was approaching the port around 9 p.m; when the Sulpicio Express Siete bow struck into her side. The Thomas Aquinas began to fill with water and listing over before it sank in waters 200 meters deep.
The 752 passengers and 118 crew on board had to abandon ship into the waters. Many jumped into the sea with life vests. The crew sent out a distress call with the Philippine Coast Guard dispatching rescue craft to the scene. The Sulpicio Express Siete, local fishermen and rescuers were able to rescue 682 passengers and crew. Many survivors were sicken by ingesting oil and seawater. Reports state 28 bodies were recovered and over 200 passengers and crew were listed as missing. No reports of injuries on the Sulpicio Express Siete. The freighter suffered hull damage to its hull above the waterline. When the ferry sank some of the ferry’s 20 tons of diesel fuel and 120 of bunker oil was released into the water. Authorities dispatched oil containment equipment to the area.
The 1517 dwt passenger ferry Trans-Asia 9 went aground at Lawis Ledge near Talisay City, Philippines. The Trans-Asia 9 loaded with 364 passengers and 72 crew was en route to Cebu City from Cagayan de Oro when it went aground while trying to avoid a collision with another vessel . The vessel was able to refloat itself on the high tide and proceeded to Cebu City. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released. The Philippine Coast Guard was notified and has detained the vessel until it can inspected for any hull damage. Reports state the mate was at the helm at the time and made a navigation error resulting in the grounding.
