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Typhoon Yolanda

Typhoon Yolanda

During the landfall of typhoon Yolanda on the Philippine coast, several vessels were driven aground or sunk.

super-shuttle-ferry-17

The passenger ferry Super Shuttle Ferry 17 sank near its pier in Mandaue City.  The ferry was overwhelmed by the strong waves.  No reports of injuries, but the vessel had some 8,000 litres of diesel and 200 litres of oil. The  127 meter long, 2311 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry Cagayan Bay 1 and the 130 meter long, 2667 dwt  ro-ro passenger ferry Ozamis Bay 1 broke from their mooring lines at Gothong Wharf in Mandaue City.

OZAMIS_BAY_1

The tugboat Metro Tug II capsized near Consolacion, Cebu.  The tug was overturned by the strong waves.  The Philippine Coast Guard reported that the tug was salvaged and was returned to its upright position.


Four barges were driven aground at Cebu and Bohol.  The barge Roger went aground in Bohol.  The barge Big Champ went aground near Fishport, Poblacion Guindulman, Bohol. The barge Castor 6 went aground in a marine protected area near Mandaue City, Cebu.  The barge Rene went aground off Carols P. Garcia, Bohol. Reports state all crew members except one were safely rescued.  One crewman was reported as missing.

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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.

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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.

 

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