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Cheng Xian Feng 168
Cheng Xian Feng 168

Cheng Xian Feng 168

On the early morning of January 11, the 712 gt tanker Cheng Xian Feng 168 ran aground in the Philippine Sea off Burgos town, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte. Philippines.  The Cheng Xian Feng 168 departed from Cagayan de Oro City bound for Homonhon, Leyte with 3,500 litres of diesel fuel.  On the afternoon of  January 10, the tanker  developed engine problems. Unable to fix the problems, the vessel would eventually suffer total engine failure forcing the crew to drop anchor.

Strong currents and heavy waves would cause the anchor to drag. The Cheng Xian Feng 168 would continue to drift towards the shore until it grounded just off shoreline. The Philippine Coast Guard was alerted and were able to rescue all 9 crew members off the tanker. No reports of injuries.

The Philippine Coast Guard reported there was no signs of oil pollution released around the tanker, but there was a strong gas odor detected. Due to the vessel grounded on a coral reef, the Coast Guard deployed oil containment booms as a precaution before attempts to refloat the tanker. An underwater assessment will be made to the extent of environmental damage.

 

Two Aground at Hualien

Two Aground at Hualien

CSE Prosperity Express
Photo: ltn.com.tw

On the morning of January 1, the 168 meter long, 28440 dwt bulk carrier CSE Prosperity Express (IMO: 9345647) ran aground in the Philippine Sea near Hualien, Taiwan. The CSE Prosperity Express had been at the Thathong anchorage when it received notification to proceed to enter the port of Hualien. The bulk carrier was waiting for a pilot to come onboard to guide the vessel into port when it suffered main engine failure. Weather conditions were poor with a strong northeasterly winds and heavy seas which caused the CSE Prosperity Express to drift towards shore.

Taiwan authorities were alerted and dispatched the 35 meter long tugboat Taigang 13205 (MMSI: 416001709) to assist.  As the towing line was being established between the tug and bulk carrier, the Taigang 13205 became entangled in the line. The tug lost propulsion and was driven ashore on a rocky beach in Huaren Beach in Beikou, Hualien, Taiwan. Authorities determined it was unsafe to do a rescue by sea and requested a helicopter to rescue the 5 crew on the tug. The helicopter would arrive on scene and airlift all the tug’s crew to safety. One crew on the tug sustained a head injury and taken to hospital for treatment. The Taigang 13205 crew were able to close the fuel tank valves in the hope to contain any diesel fuel pollution from being released.

CSE Prosperity Express
Photo: ctee.com.tw

With the tugboat ashore, there was no vessel’s to assist the disabled CSE Prosperity Express. The bulk carrier continued to drift toward the shore when it grounded a short distance off the beach near the grounded Taigang 13205. The 17 crew on the bulk carrier were reported not to be in danger and there no reports of injuries.

Reports state that authorities have requested additional pollution containment supplies including oil booms and absorbent pads. A salvage tug was later requested would arrive on scene the next day. Salvagers are looking at ways to pull the bulk carrier free with the difficult conditions and limiting risk of pollution.

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.