The 39 meter long tanker MTKR Jason Bradley sank in Manila Bay near Mariveles, Bataan, Philippines. The tanker sank some 600 yards offshore in 9 meters of water resting on the muddy bottom. No reports of injuries.
The MTKR Jason Bradley had no cargo onboard when it sank. The Philippine Coast Guard dispatched divers to the scene to inspect the vessel. Divers found there were several leaks from the engine room releasing diesel fuel. The owners of the MTKR Jason Bradley is preparing to salvage the tanker within one to two weeks.
The 65 meter long tanker Terra Nova capsized and sank six kilometers off Lamao Point, Bataan, Philippines. The tanker was enroute from Iloilo City with 1494 tons of fuel oil on board when it had suffered a mechanical breakdown and taken under tow. As Typhoon Gaemi was passing over the area, the tanker was swamped by the heavy seas causing the Terra Nova to capsize and sink. Reports state 16 of the 17 crew on board were later rescued. One crewman perished when the Terra Nova sank.
Photo: Philippine Coast Guard
The Philippine Coast Guard reported an oil slick had developed over the sunken tanker. The slick stretched some 12 kilometers threatening local fishing and beaches. Authorities dispatched barriers and oil skimmers to the scene to help mitigate the pollution. Divers inspected the sunken tanker to ensure the tank valves were sealed to prevent further oil leaking. Authorities state they plan to siphon the oil off the tanker before the Terra Nova will be towed to a shallower area.
Update July 29:
News reports state the Terra Nova is still leaking oil and the oil slick has not yet been contained.
On July 23, the 66 meter long, 668 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry Filipinas Dinagat caught fire off Catmon, Philippines. The ferry had departed from Cebu City bound for Palompon in Leyte loaded with cargo only. The Filipinas Dinagat had 48 crew and no passengers on board. The ferry traveled some 50 kilometres when the crew discovered a fire on board the vessel. The crew attempted to contain the blaze, but it soon got out of control. The fire quickly spread between the decks and the superstructure was engulfed in flames. The vessel requested assistance with the Philippine Coast Guard responding. The coast guard arrived on scene and rescued the 48 crew off the Filipinas Dinagat. Reports state some crew had sustained some minor injuries.
Photo: sunstar.com.ph
The coast guard was able to get the fire under control, but not for several hours. Reports state the fire has gutted the vessel with 95% of the vessel damaged or destroyed by the flames. Authorities have stated the fuel tanks remain intact and no fuel pollution has been released.
Reports state the coast guard has taken the Filipinas Dinagat under tow to Sogod, Cebu. An electrical short is suspected to be the cause of the fire, but authorities have stated this has not yet been confirmed. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
