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Meridian Tres

Meridian Tres

Meridian Tres
Photo: inquirer.net

On November 17, the 86 meter long, 3506 dwt cargo vessel Meridian Tres capsized and sank near  Dawahon Island, Philippines. The Meridian Tres departed from Tacloban City bound for Cebu City with a cargo of 160  20-foot containers.  Gale warnings had been posted but waters were still calm leaving the port.

Six hours later while off Dawahon Island, the seas increased intensity. Heavy seas and strong winds pummeled the cargo vessel.  Before the Meridian Tres could find any shelter, the heavy seas caused the stack of containers on the cargo deck to shift. Unable to maintain stability, the vessel quickly developed a severe list to port. With no hope to save the cargo ship, the master sent out a distress call and ordered the crew to abandon ship.

The Philippines Coast Guard received the call and quickly responded.  Aided by three  nearby vessels (LCT-PMI 8, Filipinas Butuan and Ocean Kingdom), a search and rescue operation to search for survivors. Twenty-eight crew were later rescued, but one crew member was still listed as missing.

Reports state the Meridian Trese continued to float before it finally capsized and sank a short time later. The Philippine Coast Guard has dispatched vessels to monitor the area for possible pollution released.

Euro Uno

Euro Uno

Euro Uno
Photo: abs-cbn.com

On December 31, the 420 dwt cargo vessel Euro Uno ran aground just offshore of Misamis Oriental, Mindanao, Philippines. The Euro Uno was headed for Siquijor from Lligan City with a cargo of 900 sacks of flour and 3500 sacks of pollard feed when it was struck by a storm. A large wave caused the cargo vessel to be blown off course from the port entrance and wash ashore some 50 yards off the beach. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released. Reports state the vessel remains aground, but the company has arranged a tug to begin salvage operations on the next high tide.

Shuttle Roro 5

Shuttle Roro 5

Shuttle Roro 5
Photo: philstar.com

The 111 meter long, 2900 dwt ro-ro ferry Shuttle Roro 5 ran aground at Mabini, Batangas, Philippines. The ferry was seeking sheltered waters when Typhoon Nina (Nock-Ten)  struck the area. As the storm intensified, the rough seas were too much for the Shuttle Roro 5.  The crew decided to abandon ship rather stay on board the vessel. All 25 passengers and crew abandoned ship and were later rescued.  The ferry was blown by the storm until it rested just off the shoreline. Reports state the hull of the ferry sustained damage, but no survey of the hull has been completed. No reports of injuries or pollution released.