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Tag: Philippine Coast Guard

LCT Felicity 8

LCT Felicity 8

LCT Felicity 8
Photo: Philippine Coast Guard

On November 9, the 82 meter long, 4500 dwt landing-craft cargo vessel LCT Felicity 8 ran aground in Pagapas Bay off Wawa Ibaba, Lemery, Batangas, Philippines. The LCT Felicity 8 had sought shelter in Pagapas Bay from the high winds and strong currents caused by Super Typhoon Uwan when it was blown ashore. The Philippine Coast Guard was alerted and dispatched a response team to the scene. The Coast Guard reported that the LCT Felicity 8 was in stable condition with no structural damage and no pollution released. The crew were confirmed to be safe and in good condition.

The Philippine Coast Guard directed the owners of the LCT Felicity 8 to hire a tugboat to refloat the vessel. An investigation has been launched into the cause of the grounding and to assess compliance with safety and navigational protocols.

Lite Ferry 10

Lite Ferry 10

Lite Ferry 10
Photo: facebook

On the night of October 25, the 90 meter long ro-ro passenger ferry Lite Ferry 10 (MMSI: 548665300)  ran aground in the Bohol Sea off Larena, Siquijor, Philippines. The Lite Ferry 10 had departed from Tagbilaran, Bohol with 359 passengers and 45 crew onboard with 250 passengers bound for Plaridel while 109 passengers were travelling to Siquijor. For undisclosed reasons, the ferry ran aground firmly on a coral reef near the shoreline with its bow nearly out of the water.

The Philippine Coast Guard was alerted to the incident and began efforts to rescue the passengers and crew. The Coast Guard arrived on scene and assisted in getting all 359 passengers and 45 crew were safely transferred off the ferry. Afterwards, the Coast Guard began attempts to pull the Lite Ferry 10 free. The first attempted failed as a tugboat was only able to pull the ferry a few meters.  Another attempt would be made the next day on the next high tide.

Reports state that divers made an inspection of the hull and found there were no breaches, but the coral reef had sustained damage. No oil pollution had been detected, but the Philippine Coast Guard had booms ready if any pollution is detected.  Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

 

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.