Just after midnight on August 12, the 212 meter long, 6080 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry Megastar (IMO: 9773064) caught fire in the Gulf of Finland near Helsinki, Finland. The Megastar was just minutes away from berthing in Helsinki when the crew was alerted of a fire on the vehicle deck. The crew discovered that a bus had caught fire and quickly activated the vessel’s sprinkler system which extinguished the blaze. No reports of injuries to the passengers or crew on board.
Photo: yle.fi
Authorities state the bus was removed off the Megastar. The fire did not result in damaging the ferry. Reports state the ferry was back in service the following day on its regular schedule.
On August 10, the 180 meter long ro-ro passenger ferry Raffaele Rubatino (IMO: 9144744) caught fire in the Gulf of Naples some 15 miles off Naples, Italy. The Raffaele Rubatino was on a schedule voyage between Palermo to Naples with 155 passengers and undisclosed number of vehicles when a fire broke out in the vessel’s engine room. The crew was able to quickly extinguish the blaze, but the fire had damaged the machinery in the engine room. Unable to navigate the Raffaele Rubatino requested assistance. Authorities dispatched two tugs to tow the ferry into port while 2 Italian Coast Guard vessels and another ferry were standing by. Authorities had both medical and fire fighting personnel were waiting on the dock when the Raffaele Rubatino finally reached port.
On August 7, the ~55 meter long, ~650 dwt ro-ro landing craft/cargo vessel LCT Golden Phoenix ran aground off San Miguel Bay near Camarines Sur, Philippines. The Philippine Coast Guard reported the LCT Golden Phoenix was carrying a cargo of construction materials when it was blown aground due to strong winds and currents in the bay. The 13 crew on board were rescued by the Coast Guard and there were no reports of injuries.
Local authorities and the Philippine Coast Guard were monitoring the cargo vessel for any release of pollution. Reports stated the vessel developed a sharp list to port after it ran aground with part of its railings were submerged. An aerial survey showed the cargo of construction materials had fallen overboard, but authorities have not reported any environmental damage. Authorities do state the vessel’s owner have arranged for divers to inspect the hull and preparing plans to salvage the vessel. An initial attempt to conduct a full inspection had to be delayed due to rough sea conditions.
Details about the vessel and registration for the LCT Golden Phoenix were not clear. The length and dwt of the vessel is an approximation. The owners of the LCT Golden Phoenix may be the Rline Transport Inc based in Manila, Philippines, but this has not been confirmed.
