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Fortuner

Fortuner

Fortuner

The 68 meter long, 2323 dwt cargo vessel Fortuner sank off Talisay City, Cebu, Philippines. The Fortuner was carrying a cargo of steel bars when if suffered structural failure and developed a crack amidships. The vessel pumps were no use  as the water ingress quickly flooded the holds. The crew alerted authorities and were able to evacuate the ship. All 22 crew were later rescued by the nearby MTUG 38. The cargo vessel sank sank 2 hours later. The Fortuner rests in 30 meters under the surface some 2.2 kilometers from shore.

Authorities report spotting a 25 meter oil sheen on the surface. The Coast Guard deployed an oil boom around the spill and will monitor the area for any additional pollution released. The Fortuner had some 4000 liters of fuel on board at the time of the sinking.

LCT Marc Jason III

LCT Marc Jason III

LCT Marc Jason III
Photo: abs-cbn.com

On March 21, the 85 meter long cargo vessel LCT Marc Jason III capsized and sank off  the shore of Malabuyoc, Cebu, Philippines. The LCT Marc Jason III was headed to Bantayan Island from Tampi, Amlan with a cargo of sand. As the vessel was off Malabuyoc, it began to list.  The LCT Marc Jason III berthed at Malabuyoc where it continued to list forcing all 17 crew abandoned ship.  No reports of injuries.

The following day, the LCT Marc  Jason III capsized completely and sank just 50 meters from the shore. No reports of pollution released, but local authorities are concern that pollution may be released if the vessel isn’t salvaged quickly.

LCT Marc Jason III
Photo: flickr
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.