Browsed by
Tag: Philippine Coast Guard

Thomas Aquinas

Thomas Aquinas

Photo: newsinfo.inquirer.net
Photo: newsinfo.inquirer.net

The 11,405 dwt passenger ro-ro ferry Thomas Aquinas sank after collision with the 146 meter long,  9,691 dwt freighter Sulpicio Express Siete.   The ferry was approaching the port around 9 p.m; when the Sulpicio Express Siete bow struck into her side.  The Thomas Aquinas began to fill with water and listing over before it sank in waters 200 meters deep.

Photo: newsinfo.inquirer.net
Photo: newsinfo.inquirer.net

The 752 passengers and 118 crew on board had to abandon ship into the waters.  Many jumped into the sea with life vests. The crew sent out a distress call with the Philippine Coast Guard dispatching rescue craft to the scene.  The Sulpicio Express Siete, local fishermen and rescuers were able to rescue 682 passengers and crew.  Many survivors were sicken by ingesting oil and seawater. Reports state 28 bodies were recovered and over 200 passengers and crew were listed as missing.   No reports of injuries on the Sulpicio Express Siete.   The freighter suffered hull damage to its hull above the waterline. When the ferry sank some of the ferry’s 20 tons of diesel fuel and 120 of bunker oil was released into the water.   Authorities dispatched oil containment equipment to the area.

Related articles

 

Enhanced by Zemanta
USS Guardian Update

USS Guardian Update

USS Guardian
Photo: photoblog.nbcnews.com

After four days, the 68 meter long minesweeper USS Guardian has remained stuck on Tubbataha Reef.   Rough weather has pushed the vessel further up onto the coral reef.   Initially stranded at the bow, the USS Guardian now rests broadside to the reef with the starboard hull on the reef.   The Navy reports that the hull has begun to list to port and there is evidence the vessel has suffered water ingress.  However, no  signs of oil pollution yet being released.

USS Guardian
Photo: Philippine Navy

Along with several US Navy vessels, Philippine Coast Guard and a salvage tug remain on scene.   Forecasts show high winds and 2 meter waves in the area to continue for several more days preventing containment booms being deployed.   A lighter vessel is scheduled to arrive on scene with oil recovery equipment.

The Navy has reported that a major factor to the cause of the grounding was an error on a digital chart.   The paper copy of the chart along with other digital charts correctly showed the reef location, but the one digital version on the USS Guardian had anomaly.  Naval authorities have stated that the investigation into the grounding will continue looking at other potential factors.

 

Related articles

 

Enhanced by Zemanta
Super Shuttle Ferry 15

Super Shuttle Ferry 15

Photo: flickr

The 262 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry Super Shuttle Ferry 15 went aground near Merida, Leyte, Philippines.  The ferry had left port at Ormoc City with 191 passengers headed for Cebu City when it lost power after suffering engine failure.   The vessel drifted until it ran aground onto shallow waters.   The vessel contacted the Philippine Coast Guard stating the vessel had gone aground and it’s sister ship, the Super Shuttle Ferry 23, was being sent to the scene.   A few hours later the Super Shuttle Ferry 23 arrived and safely transferred 185 passengers and proceeded back to Ormoc City.  No reports of injuries.   The Super Shuttle Ferry 15 will be refloated by the assistance of the Super Shuttle 23 on the following day.  Authorities dispatched inspectors and personnel to help assess the situation.

Enhanced by Zemanta