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Tag: Philippine Coast Guard

Weesam Express

Weesam Express

Weesam Express
Photo: inquirer.net
On the early morning of October 7, the 226 gt passenger ferry Weesam Express (IMO: 9093062) sank in the Sulu Sea at Zamboanga, Philippines. The Weesam Express while docked in port suffered uncontrolled water ingress in the engine room. The crew spotted the water and engaged the vessel’s pumps, but the pumps were quickly overwhelmed.  The crew evacuated off Weesam Express to shore as the ferry developed a starboard list.  Strong waves in the area hastened the flooding causing the Weesam Express to capsize and sink leaving on a small part of the hull above water.
The Philippine Coast Guard placed booms around the sunken ferry to contain any pollution released. No reports of injuries. Reports stated the ferry had potentially suffered some mechanical breakdown allowing for the water ingress.
Jobhenz

Jobhenz

Jobhenz
Photo: Philippine Coast Guard

On the morning of September 22, the fishing vessel Jobhenz sank in the Philippine Sea off Santa Ana, Cagayan, Philippines. The fishing vessel had sought shelter off the coast from the strong winds and heavy seas caused by Typhoon Ragasa when it capsized by the strong winds. The hull completely overturned trapping inside some of the 13 crew on board.  Authorities were alerted by the vessel’s owner who was unable to contact the fishing vessel during the early afternoon.

The Philippine Coast Guard launched a search and rescue operation to search the last known location of the Jobhenz. The Coast Guard would find the overturn hull of the Jobhenz along with reports that 4 of the 13 crew had swam over to another nearby fishing vessel who rescued the crew from the sea. The Coast Guard would later cut open the hull and discovered 2 additional survivors who were taken to hospital for medical treatment.

Jobhenz
Photo: Philippine Coast Guard

Divers would continue to search around and inside the vessel over the next 2 days. Authorities were unable to find any additional survivors, but would be able to recover the bodies of the remaining 7 missing crew members. Survivors told authorities the vessel was struck by successive waves that caused the Jobhenz to lose stability and roll over.  No further details reported.

Virgen de Peñafrancia I

Virgen de Peñafrancia I

Virgen de Peñafrancia I
Photo: tribune.net.ph

On the morning of September 23, the ro-ro passenger ferry Virgen de Peñafrancia I ran aground in Lamon Bay off the port of Real in Barangay Ungos, Philippines. The Virgen de Peñafrancia I was departing the port with 41 passengers, 22 crew and 8 lorries when strong currents caused the vessel to run aground in the shallows just 30 meter outside the port.

The Philippine Coast Guard was alerted and dispatched vessels to the scene.  The Coast Guard deployed an aluminum boat assisted by nearby motorized boats to help safely transfer all 41 passengers safely to shore. No reports of injuries.

The Virgen de Peñafrancia I is being monitored while attempts to pull the ferry free. Reports state the stranding was mostly likely due to strong currents caused by Super Typhoon Nando. The Philippine Coast Guard has suspended the vessel’s certificate until it can be inspected for seaworthiness.

Virgen de Peñafrancia I
Photo: x.com