On the afternoon of May 6, the 86 meter long, 750 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry Vollsøy (IMO: 9237993) caught fire in North Sea in the port of Mekjarvik, Norway. The fire started in the generator within the Vollsøy‘s engine room. The fire caused lots of dense black smoke forcing the crew to evacuate the vessel. The local fire brigade was called out and were able to extinguish the blaze just a short time later. There were no reports of injuries.
On the afternoon of May 5, the 44 meter long, 211 dwt ferry Muchlisa (IMO: 7930462) sank in the Makassar Strait off the coast of Penajam Paser Utara, Indonesia. The Muchlisa bound from Balikpapan for Penajam with 21 crew and 23 passengers was attempting to berth when its port engine failed when its propeller shaft broke. The crew also found the ferry was suffering uncontrolled water ingress.
Unable to stop the flooding, the crew requested assistance from the PT Ferry 3 Anugerah to take the Muchlisa under tow towards shore. The goal was to beach the ferry and prevent it from sinking. Unfortunately, the water ingress became worse and caused the vessel to capsize and sink by the stern just 200 meters off the shoreline in 20 meters of water.
Authorities launched a search and rescue soon after the incident. Conflicting reports state nearly all the passengers and crew were able to evacuate and were taken ashore. There are reports that some people on board sustained injuries and taken to hospital for treatment. Unfortunately, one crew member perished and one was reported as missing. One news report stated that not all passengers could be accounted.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. Reports state the water police have questioned witnesses along with the helmsman and master of the Muchlisa. There were no reports that the vessel would be salvaged or not.
On May 4, the 43 meter long ro-ro ferry Jean Ribault (MMSI: 367475030) allided on the St. Johns River with the ramp at Mayport, Florida. The ferry was attempting to depart from Mayport when it struck the boarding ramp. There were no reports of injuries, but the Jean Ribault was taken out of service after the incident. Reports state the ferry and ramp were being inspected and will undergo repairs as needed. Authorities have launched an investigation into incident.