Philippine Coast Guard - Shipwreck Log

Kosco 202

August 2, 2012 Paul Hancock

The 52 meter long, 1320 dwt tuboat Kosco 202 and its barge under tow sank off Zambales, Philippines. The tug was heading to Indonesia from Shanghai, China to deliver the barge when it encountered Typhoon Saola. The tugboat and barge were quickly overwhelm by 16 to 20 foot waves. The barge sank and the tug began to sink as the engine room began to fill with water. The vessel contacted the Philippine Coast Guard requesting assistance. The seven crew of the Kosco 202 then abandoned ship into the vessel’s rubber liferaft. The Coast Guard dispatched a 56 meter long rescue vessel to the scene. The rescuers found the liferaft and were quickly ushered to safety. The crew were later taken to Subic Bay. No reports of injuries.

Bayang

July 31, 2012 Paul Hancock

The 1612 gt ro-ro cargo freighter Bayang allided with the barge Asian Roger in Manila Bay near Tondo, Philippines. The Bayang’s anchor had dragged in the rough seas caused by Typhoon Gener. The ro-ro was pushed by the waves until it struck into the anchored barge. The Bayang’s hull suffered a two foot hole allowing water ingress. The Bayang quickly flooded and partially sank with the hull resting on the bottom. No details to whether the Asian Roger suffered any damages in the collision. No reports of injuries from either vessel. The Philippine Coast Guard requested the owner of the Bayang to place a boom around the vessel to contain any possible pollution released.

Shuttle Roro 1

July 29, 2012 Paul Hancock

Photos: Romblon Sun

The passenger ro-ro ferry Shuttle RORO 1 ran aground in Looc Bay, Philippines. The ferry was en route to Odiongan with 106 passengers and crew from Dumaguit on its scheduled route. Conditions began to worsen as tropical storm Gener approached. The vessel soon was battling big waves and heavy rains. The master of the Shuttle RORO 1 decided to seek shelter and headed for Looc Bay. As the vessel entered the bay, it struck the coral reefs. The ferry suffered hull damage and extensive water ingress. After contacting the Philippine Coast Guard, the master ordered to abandon ship as the vessel flooded. The Coast Guard dispatched rescue craft to the scene. Reports state four passengers had perished or were missing while the rest were rescued by the Coast Guard. The survivors were taken to Odiongan Island. Authorities are conducting a search and rescue of the area. No signs of oil pollution, but authorities are monitoring the situation.

Update

Updated reports state the vessel had capsized by a strong surge of waves striking the ferry after it ran aground. Afterwards, a fire broke out and has burned most of the superstructure of the vessel. The survivors, 59 passengers and 41 crew, were being housed at Romblon State University. The one passenger perished during the rescue effort.