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Tag: Ro-Ro

Tunu Pratama Jaya

Tunu Pratama Jaya

Tunu Pratama Jaya
Photo: Bali Search and Rescue

On the night of July 2, the 63 meter long, 955 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry Tunu Pratama Jaya (IMO: 8749432) sank in the Bali Strait off Ketapang Port, Indonesia. The ferry was making a regular crossing between Ketapang Port, Banyuwangi to Gilimanuk Port, Bali when it suffered water ingress in the engine room. The flooding could not be contained and the Tunu Pratama Jaya suffered a total power blackout a few minutes later.  Adrift and being pulled by the strong currents, the ferry rolled in rough seas. The Tunu Pratama Jaya continued to roll until it finally lost stability allowing water to rush over its decks causing the ferry to capsize and sink in the middle of the strait.

The Tunu Pratama Jaya was able to send out a distress call with another ferry the KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya 3888 responding. Unfortunately, the KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya 3888 was unable to evacuate passengers or crew before the ferry sank. The Indonesian Navy, local water police and several volunteers began a search and operation looking for survivors in the water. Authorities report that 35 survivors were pulled from the water along with 6 bodies recovered.

The Tunu Pratama Jaya had listed to have 53 passengers and 12 crew on board, but this number may not match to the total who were on board during the incident.   Reports state that rough seas with waves of 2 meters have hampered search efforts.

Witness accounts stated the vessel was rolling badly before it finally capsized. These accounts stated that the vessel did not attempt to distribute life jackets before it sank. One account stated the passengers swam free of the ferry and found several life jackets in the water before being rescued by a local fisherman. The exact cause of the water ingress is still under investigation by authorities. Reports states that authorities halted the search and rescue operations later on July 3.

Eco Catania

Eco Catania

Eco Catania

On the morning of June 26, the 238 meter long, 18086 dwt ro-ro cargo vessel Eco Catania (IMO: 9859571) allided with the 214 meter long, 7236 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry Kydon Palace (IMO: 9204568) in the Ionian Sea at the port of Igoumenitsa, Greece. The Eco Catania was maneuvering to berth the ferry when its bow struck the starboard hull of the moored Kydon Palace. Reports state there were no injuries on the Catania to the 34 crew and 11 passengers on board.

Authorities arrived on site and began an investigation into the incident. Both vessels were detained until the vessels were inspected for damage and deemed safe. There were no reports if there were any damage to the 377 trailers on board the Eco Catania. Authorities have stated the investigation will look into the cause for the allision.

Lomaiviti Princess II

Lomaiviti Princess II

Lomaiviti Princess II
Photo: fijitimes.com

On the night of June 1, the 60 meter long ro-ro passenger ferry Lomaiviti Princess 2 (IMO: 7824924) capsized and partially sank in Walu Bay at Suva Harbour, Fiji. A tugboat had towed the unmanned Lomaiviti Princess 2 away from the jetty when it had lost stability and developed a sharp a starboard list. As the list increased, the passenger ferry took on water until it capsized and partially sank in 5 meters of water.  There were no injuries.

Authorities placed booms around the vessel, but diesel fuel pollution was not totally contained. A visible sheen of diesel fuel can be seen in Suva harbour. Authorities have issued a coastal warning and placed yellow buoys to indicate the boundary of the oil pollution. Reports state the Lomaiviti Princess 2 had been moored at the jetty since 2019 and had been used as a dumping ground. No reports if Fiji authorities will conduct an investigation into the incident, how the pollution will be mitigated and when the ferry will be salvaged or removed.