On May 4, the 43 meter long ro-ro ferry Jean Ribault (MMSI: 367475030) allided on the St. Johns River with the ramp at Mayport, Florida. The ferry was attempting to depart from Mayport when it struck the boarding ramp. There were no reports of injuries, but the Jean Ribault was taken out of service after the incident. Reports state the ferry and ramp were being inspected and will undergo repairs as needed. Authorities have launched an investigation into incident.
On the afternoon of April 14, the 91 meter long, 2560 dwt ro-ro cargo vessel Nhô Padre Benjamim (IMO: 7812919) sank in Preguiça Bay off the coast of São Nicolau, Cape Verde. The Nhô Padre Benjamim was en route from Palmeira to São Nicolau loaded with construction supplies and trucks bound for roadwork and construction at the Preguiça airport. As the vessel approached the São Nicolau, the vessel suffered uncontrolled water ingress on the vehicle deck. Reports state the crew tried to bring the flooding under control with pumps, but their efforts were unsuccessful. The Nhô Padre Benjamim would eventually sink by the stern.
The crew of 19 and the 1 passenger on board were able to safely abandon ship and were later rescued by local fishermen. No reports of injuries.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. Initial reports has place much focus on environmental concerns. There is a high risk that fuel and other oil pollution will seep out from the wreck. Due to the depth of the location of the wreck, it may be difficult to pump out the fuel and oil from the vessel.
News reports state the vessel owner claims the Nhô Padre Benjamim was well maintained and was in proper working condition prior to the incident. The vessel was not overloaded, but witnesses state the vessel departed with the stern lower in the water than usual. It is possible the investigation may reveal improper cargo stowage could have been a factor.
On April 19, the 65 meter long, 2668 gt ro-ro passenger ferry Lite Ferry 5 (IMO: 9873321) ran aground just outside the port of Jagna in Bohol, Philippines. The ferry departed for Cagayan de Oro when it drifted into shallow waters at low tide. The Lite Ferry 5 only proceeded some 200 meters from the port of Jagna when it ran aground in the Bohol Sea.
The vessel contacted Philippine authorities requesting assistance and evacuation of the 506 passengers and crew onboard the Lite Ferry 5. The Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Navy assisted by local fishermen would take the entire night to safely transfer everyone to shore. No reports of injuries.
Authorities were able to conduct an inspection on the Lite Ferry 5 and found no damage. A tug was dispatched from Cebu to refloat the ferry. No reports of pollution released.