Ro-Ro – Shipwreck Log

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.

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.

Bahari Indonesia

July 22, 2020 Paul Hancock

The 71 meter long ro-ro passenger ferry KM Bahari Indonesia caught fire in the Java Sea while en route to Pontianak from Jakarta. The KM Bahari Indonesia departed from Jakarta with 26 passengers and 20 vehicles for a 9 hour voyage to Pontianak. During the voyage, a vehicle on the main deck caught fire and quickly spread to the other vehicles. The crew attempted to extinguish the blaze, but the heat and smoke made it impossible.

Unable to contain the fire, the ferry sent out a distress call for assistance. Several hours later the KM Samudera Jaya Abadi arrived on scene and rescued all the passenger and crew. A tug was dispatch the following day to take the KM Bahari Indonesia under tow back to port. Reports state the fire had severely damaged the ferry, but was still afloat. The ferry was towed to an anchorage some 100 miles from Jakarta. The Indonesia Coast Guard has been monitoring the vessel. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

Dharma Rucitra 3

June 14, 2020 Paul Hancock

On June 12, the ro-ro passenger ferry Dharma Rucitra 3 sank at Padang Bai, Bali. The Dharma Rucitra 3 had departed from Lembar, Lombok Island with passengers and vehicles and proceeded to Padang Bai. While the ferry berthed in Padang Bai, the vessel lost stability and developed a strong starboard list. Reports state the list resulted in vehicles shifting on the car deck of the Dharma Rucitra 3. Lower decks of the ferry began to suffer water ingress and the vessel began to sink by the stern. The ferry’s pumps were unable to contain the flooding and the Dharma Rucitra 3 settled by the stern.

All 60 passengers on board were safely evacuated to shore. No reports of injuries. Authorities have placed booms around the vessel to contain any pollution released. All 32 vehicles on board the Dharma Rucitra 3 were still below deck when it sank.

Some news reports have stated the ferry may had suffered a leak in the bilge causing the flooding and instability. Authorities have stated the vessel will be salvaged. An investigation into the incident is ongoing.