Ro-Ro - Shipwreck Log

Nyerere

September 20, 2018 Paul Hancock

The ro-ro passenger ferry Nyerere capsized on Lake Victoria near Ukora Island, Tanzania. The Nyerere was within a hundred meters of landing at the dock when it lost stability and rolled over. Nearby boats witnessed the ferry turning over and rushed to the scene. They were able to rescued more than 100 people from the water. Rescuers also recovered 40 bodies from the water. Authorities expect to recover more bodies in the following days.

https://youtu.be/cdrihJ02GFQ

Tanzanian authorities state there was an indeterminate number of passengers on board the ferry. Some news accounts suggest the Nyerere was overloaded and could have more than 250 persons on board at the time of the incident. Reports do state the Nyerere had undergone maintenance in recent months and was considered seaworthy.

Update 21 September 2018

Initial reports on the number of survivors were incorrect. Authorities now state only 38 people survived the capsizing and some 100 bodies have been recovered. The total number who were on board the Nyerere may never be determined. Reports state the person who had the manifest was lost and the equipment that tracked how many persons actually boarded the ferry.

Salish

September 16, 2018 Paul Hancock

Salish

On September 9, the 83 meter long, 1400 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry Salish ran aground in Admiralty Bay near the port of Keystone, Washington. The ferry had departed from Port Townsend bound for Keystone when it grounded in the harbor. The Salish was able to free itself, but the ferry had sustained damage. Divers were dispatched and found the Salish had sustained rudder damage. No reports of injuries to passengers or crew. The Salish was taken out of service and tugs escorted the ferry to Port Townsend where it will undergo repairs.

Lite Ferry 28

September 2, 2018 Paul Hancock

The 64 meter long ro-ro passenger ferry Lite Ferry 28 caught fire just outside of Taloot, Cebu, Philippines. The Lite Ferry 28 had departed from Tagbilaran, Bohol bound for Taloot, Cebu with 92 passengers and 29 crew. Just 300 meters off Taloot, a fire broke out in the vessel’s engine room. The crew was unable to contain the blaze and the fire continued to spread through the ferry’s superstructure. Dense black smoke could be spotted along the shoreline as the stern of the Lite Ferry 28 engulfed in flames.

The cargo vessel LCT Miami left the docks at Taloot and reached the disabled Lite Ferry 28. The LCT Miami was able to transfer all the passengers and crew safely off the Lite Ferry 28 before returning back to Taloot. The Philippine Coast Guard also arrived on scene a short time later and assisted in extinguishing the fire. The Lite Ferry 28 was later taken under tow to Taloot. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.