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Hong Hai 16

Hong Hai 16

Hong Hai 16
Photo: Philippine Coast Guard

On the evening of April 15, the 144 meter long, 20421 dwt dredger Hong Hai 16 (IMO: 8665870) capsized in the Mindoro Strait off Barangay Malawaan, Rizal, Occidental Mindoro, Philippines. The Hong Hai 16 had lost stability while dredging a short distance off the coast.

A video caught the vessel listing heavily to port before it suddenly rolled over in less than a minute. Of the 25 crew on board the sand dredger, 14 crew were able to escape and found in the water near the hull.

The Philippine Coast Guard arrived on scene and began a search and rescue operation looking for the missing crew.  The initial search found the body of one crew member.  Divers were brought to the site and began searching within the Hong Hai 16‘s compartments. Divers would find 3 more bodies trapped inside the vessel. The Coast Guard states there is some hope the missing crew members may be found alive possibly in the engine room.

Hong Hai 16
Photo: x.com

An oil sheen was spotted around the overturned Hong Hai 16.  The Coast Guard deployed booms around the stern off the hull to contain the pollution.

Authorities have contacted the vessel’s owner to start salvage operations. The Coast Guard has asked ship’s owner to hire an accredited salvor while it conducted an underwater survey and risk assessment. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

 

Castphill XV

Castphill XV

Castphill XV
Photo: Philippine Coast Guard

On the early morning of March 30, the cargo vessel Castphill XV caught fire at the entrance of Manila Bay near Limbones Island, Philippines. The cargo vessel departed from Manila bound for Culion with a mix cargo of  general merchandise, hardware materials, sacks of rice, cement and fuel. As it approached the island, a fire broke out on the Castphill XV.  The crew was unable to contain the blaze and requested assistance before they abandoned ship.

The Philippine Coast Guard patrol vessel BRP Boracay arrived on site and rescued seven crew from the water. The patrol vessel took the survivors back to Manila where they taken to hospital for treatment.  Five more survivors would be rescued a few hours later by the Coast Guard based in Maragondon. These survivors were brought ashore to Maragondon for treatment.  Reports state the crew sustained only minor injuries.

The Philippine Coast Guard has begun an investigation Reports suggest the fire may have started in the cargo hold possibly from the stored fuel cargo.

Sadong 33

Sadong 33

Sadong 33
Photo: Philippine Navy

On the early morning hours of March 25, the tugboat Sadong 33 capsized in Sarangani Bay near Maasim, Philippines.  The Sadong 33 was towing the 59 meter long landing craft LCT Sea Asia (IMO:8843551) from Glan, Sarangani to Iligan City when its towline was struck by the 169 meter long, 28388 dwt bulk carrier Universe Kaisa (IMO: 9283849). The bulk carrier passed too close to the towing line causing the line to snap and resulting in the Sadong 33 to suddenly rollover.

Six of the eight crew were later rescued by the Philippine Coast Guard.  The captain of the Sadong 33 and one other crew member perished. Authorities state the captain’s body was later recovered. There were no reports of injuries or damage on the Universe Kaisa or the LCT Sea Asia.  Authorities have placed booms around the overturn Sadong 33 to contain any pollution released. Reports state the Sadong 33 had somewhere between 50 to 100 meters of towline between itself and the LCT Sea Asia during the incident. The Philippine Coast Guard has stated that legal charges may be filed against the master and crew of the Universe Kiza.