On the morning of July 3, the fishing vessel Sr. Fernando II collided with the ro-ro passenger ferry Peñafrancia VI in Tayabas Bay off the port of Lucena, Quezon, Philippines. The two vessels collided head-on resulting in damage to the Peñafrancia VI‘s starboard section of the bow and ramp. The Sr. Fernando II also sustained bow damage. There were no injuries to the 82 passengers and 18 crew on the ferry and the 16 crew on the fishing vessel. No pollution was released.
Photo: Philippines Coast Guard
Photo: Philippines Coast Guard
Photo: Philippines Coast Guard
Photo: Philippines Coast Guard
Photo: Philippines Coast Guard
Photo: Philippines Coast Guard
The Philippine Coast Guard were alerted and ordered the Peñafrancia VI back to port. The Coast Guard then assisted having all passengers and vehicles off the ferry while the Peñafrancia VI was inspected for damage. An investigation found the fishing vessel had made an error with steering causing it to turn towards the approaching ferry. Reports state the owners of the vessels have settled over the costs from the incident.
On the night of July 2, the 63 meter long, 955 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry Tunu Pratama Jaya (IMO: 8749432) sank in the Bali Strait off Ketapang Port, Indonesia. The ferry was making a regular crossing between Ketapang Port, Banyuwangi to Gilimanuk Port, Bali when it suffered water ingress in the engine room. The flooding could not be contained and the Tunu Pratama Jaya suffered a total power blackout a few minutes later. Adrift and being pulled by the strong currents, the ferry rolled in rough seas. The Tunu Pratama Jaya continued to roll until it finally lost stability allowing water to rush over its decks causing the ferry to capsize and sink in the middle of the strait.
The Tunu Pratama Jaya was able to send out a distress call with another ferry the KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya 3888 responding. Unfortunately, the KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya 3888 was unable to evacuate passengers or crew before the ferry sank. The Indonesian Navy, local water police and several volunteers began a search and operation looking for survivors in the water. Authorities report that 35 survivors were pulled from the water along with 6 bodies recovered.
The Tunu Pratama Jaya had listed to have 53 passengers and 12 crew on board, but this number may not match to the total who were on board during the incident. Reports state that rough seas with waves of 2 meters have hampered search efforts.
Photo: seblang.com
Photo: seblang.com
Photo: okezone.com
Photo: Bali Search and Rescue
Witness accounts stated the vessel was rolling badly before it finally capsized. These accounts stated that the vessel did not attempt to distribute life jackets before it sank. One account stated the passengers swam free of the ferry and found several life jackets in the water before being rescued by a local fisherman. The exact cause of the water ingress is still under investigation by authorities. Reports states that authorities halted the search and rescue operations later on July 3.
On the morning of June 26, the 238 meter long, 18086 dwt ro-ro cargo vessel Eco Catania (IMO: 9859571) allided with the 214 meter long, 7236 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry Kydon Palace (IMO: 9204568) in the Ionian Sea at the port of Igoumenitsa, Greece. The Eco Catania was maneuvering to berth the ferry when its bow struck the starboard hull of the moored Kydon Palace. Reports state there were no injuries on the Catania to the 34 crew and 11 passengers on board.
Authorities arrived on site and began an investigation into the incident. Both vessels were detained until the vessels were inspected for damage and deemed safe. There were no reports if there were any damage to the 377 trailers on board the Eco Catania. Authorities have stated the investigation will look into the cause for the allision.
