Pacific Ocean - Shipwreck Log

HMCS Protecteur

February 27, 2014 Paul Hancock

The 172 meter long Canadian Naval supply ship HMCS Protecteur became disabled in the Pacific Ocean while en route to its home port of Esquimalt, Vancouver Island. The HMCS Protecteur had departed from Hawaii when it suffered a fire in the engine room while in heavy seas. The blaze was extinguished, but the main engine was damaged and left the ship without power. Twenty crewmen were injured extinguishing the fire. Two vessels from the United States Navy responded to the scene delivering supplies and transferred some passengers off the HMCS Protecteur. A tug was to arrive and take the supply vessel back to Pearl Harbour for repairs. Reports state the commanding officer of the HMCS Protecteur stating the crew were “making the best of a crappy situation”.

Fire forcing HMCS Protecteur to be towed to Hawaii was a ‘serious event’ (prgnewshawaii.com)
High winds prevent attempt to tow fire-damaged HMCS Protecteur (theprovince.com)
HMCS Protecteur receives supplies from U.S. navy ship (cbc.ca)

Rich Forest

January 20, 2014 Paul Hancock

The 153 meter long, 21317 dwt bulk freighter Rich Forest became disabled in the Pacific Ocean near Guam. The bulk carrier was en route to China from the Solomon Islands loaded with timber. The vessel was sailing in heavy seas with 4 meter waves and 20 to 30 knot winds when it suffered a leak. The Rich Forest suffered uncontrolled water ingress in the engine room and the vessel’s pumps were unable to keep up with the flooding. The crew requested assistance with two USCG cutters responding, one from Guam and the other near Saipan. Aircraft were dispatched to the scene and four other vessels (AMVER) diverted course to aid in the rescue. The bulk freighter C.S. Sunshine arrived on scene first and the crew of the Rich Forest abandoned ship. All 24 crewmen from the Rich Forest were rescued by the C.S. Sunshine. No reports of injuries.

Last report stated the Rich Forest was still slowing sinking by the stern, but was still afloat. The vessel owner was working on establishing plans for the Rich Forest salvage.

Crew of sinking 500-foot ship rescued in Pacific (uscgnews.com)

Yow Hsu Man

January 20, 2013 Paul Hancock

The 54 foot long fishing vessel Yow Hsu Man was reported missing near Guam. The Yow Hsu Man was en route towards Guam after its captain had suffered medical complications. Weather reports state the vessel was battling a severe gale with 18 foot seas and 20 knot winds. Authorities had monitored the Yow Hsu Man for two days before communication was lost. A Coast Guard cutter along with a nearby tanker have diverted towards the last known position of the fishing vessel. A Navy helicopter was also dispatched to aid in the search efforts.

Shipwreck Log

A log of shipwrecks & maritime accidents around the world

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Tag: Pacific Ocean