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Muchlisa

Muchlisa

Muchlisa
Photo: inspirasa.co

On the afternoon of May 5, the 44 meter long, 211 dwt ferry Muchlisa (IMO: 7930462) sank in the Makassar Strait off the coast of Penajam Paser Utara, Indonesia. The Muchlisa bound from Balikpapan for Penajam with 21 crew and 23 passengers was attempting to berth when its port engine failed when its propeller shaft broke. The crew also found the ferry was suffering uncontrolled water ingress.

Unable to stop the flooding, the crew requested assistance from the PT Ferry 3 Anugerah to take the Muchlisa under tow towards shore. The goal was to beach the ferry and prevent it from sinking.  Unfortunately, the water ingress became worse and caused the vessel to capsize and sink by the stern just 200 meters off the shoreline in 20 meters of water.

Authorities launched a search and rescue soon after the incident. Conflicting reports state nearly all the passengers and crew were able to evacuate and were taken ashore. There are reports that some people on board sustained injuries and taken to hospital for treatment. Unfortunately, one crew member perished and one was reported as missing. One news report stated that not all passengers could be accounted.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. Reports state the water police have questioned witnesses along with the helmsman and master of the Muchlisa. There were no reports that the vessel would be salvaged or not.

Myra Eckstein

Myra Eckstein

Myra Eckstein
Photo: Vicksburgnews.com

On the morning of May 5, the 47 meter long towboat Myra Eckstein (MMSI: 367505510) and its tow of barges allided with the Old Highway 80 Bridge on the Mississippi River at Vicksburg, Mississippi. The Myra Eckstein was pushing 25 barges loaded with grain when it struck pier number 4 off the bridge.  This is the same location that the towboat Rickey Hughes struck just a few days prior.

Local news reports state the lead barge in the tow struck the bridge before it broke free along with four other barges.  Three barges drifted downstream while one other struck pier number 5 of the bridge before it also floated downstream.  One barge was holed and sank a short distance downriver.  Authorities state the barges did not strike the nearby Interstate 20 bridge.

Myra Eckstein

There were no reports of injuries. Traffic on the Old Highway Bridge has been halted until it can be inspected for damage. The Coast Guard was reported to be onsite at bridge and has launched an investigation into the incident.

Nhô Padre Benjamim

Nhô Padre Benjamim

Nhô Padre Benjamim
Photo: brava.news

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.