On December 29, 2021, the 135 meter long, 3250 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry KMP Amadea ran aground in the Sundra Strait off the island of Kandang Lunik, Indonesia. The KMP Amadea departed from Bakauheni with 342 passengers and 97 vehicles on board when strong winds and currents caused the vessel to run aground on a coral reef. Reports state the ferry remained stuck for 14 hours until tugs arrived to free the vessel. Initial attempts to free the ferry failed and the vessel remained aground on the reef. No reports of injuries. Authorities are on scene and working on a recovery plan. Reports states many passengers on board were irate and wanted to be removed off the vessel.
On December 24, 2021, the 179 meter long 9100 dwt ro-ro cargo vessel Frijsenborg caught fire in the Pacific Ocean some 450 miles off Baja California Sur, Mexico. The fire started in the engine room and was quickly extinguished by the crew. The vessel sustained damage to the engine and became disabled. The vessel requested assistance and a tug was dispatched from San Diego to take the Frijsenborg under tow. No reports of injuries.
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.
Photo: sunstar.com.ph
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.
