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Tag: Survey Vessel

MTS Terramare

MTS Terramare

MTS Terramare
Photo: RNLI

On the morning of January 14, the 24.5 meter long, 115 gt ro-ro survey vessel MTS Terramare (IMO: 8843329) went aground in St. Brides Bay off Newgale Beach in Pembrokeshire, Wales. The MTS Terramare was engaged in some cable work when it suffered engine failure and went adrift. The survey vessel would be pushed by three to five foot waves until it washed up on the beach at high tide. The vessel was nearly high and dry allowing the crew to safely evacuate.  No reports of injuries to the crew.

The HM Coastguard was alerted and requested the RNLI lifeboat Norah Wortley to be dispatched to assist. The lifeboat reached the scene a short time later and found the MTS Terramare firmly ashore. Rescuers determined the vessel was in unfavorable position being broadside onto the beach and would be unfeasible to be salvaged by the lifeboat. Finding all the crew safely ashore, the RNLI returned back to base.

No reports of what salvage efforts would be done with the survey vessel. Authorities may suggest if salvage is too costly for the 65 year old vessel (built in 1960), the vessel may be scrapped in situ. Local reports do not report any signs of pollution has been released at this time.

HMNZS Manawanui

HMNZS Manawanui

Manawanui
Photo: stuff.co.nz

On the evening of October 5, the 85 meter long, 2800 dwt Royal New Zealand Navy hydrographic dive and survey ship HMNZS Manawanui (IMO: 9273662) ran aground and sank off the the island of Upolu, Samoa.  The HMNZS Manawanui was doing an hydrographic survey 1 mile off the shore off a reef when it ran aground on the reef.  Reports state the vessel struck a part of the reef that is much deeper than other sections known as a bommie. Due to the rough conditions and high winds the vessel most likely hit the reef in a swell causing the hull the strike the reef. The hull sustained significant damage and multiple compartments flooded. The survey ship was setting by the stern and developed a list to starboard.

Manawanui
Photo: stuff.co.nz

Unable to contain the water ingress, all 75 crew and passengers abandoned ship onto the vessel’s life rafts. Local Samoa authorities responded to the incident and dispatched rescue craft to the scene. Rescuers were able to transport all 75 people off the life rafts and safely ashore. Reports state 2 individuals sustained minor injuries and were taken to hospital.  A dozen more sustained minor cuts and abrasions from contact with the reef.

Around the 7am the following morning of October 6, the HMNZS Manawanui was still visible above the water with a severe list. Dense smoke was spotted billowing out of the vessel suggesting a fire had engulf part of the superstructure. By 9 am the HMNZS Manawanui had finally rolled over and sunk.

Samoan authorities are monitoring the area for any pollution released. New Zealand authorities have dispatched a C-130 aircraft to Samoa with medical supplies, personnel and some light clean-up equipment. While no reports of oil pollution, there is a high chance of some fuel or hydraulic oil has been released.

Reports suggest the survey vessel may have lost power before it ran aground, but this has not been verified. Reports state there is some discussion if the vessel will be salvaged, but a site inspection will gather information to see if any salvage is feasible.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident including a Court of Inquiry as the HMNZS Manawanui was purchased in 2019 for $100 million.