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Day: December 27, 2011

Barge Aground

Barge Aground

The barge Ivan Batam went aground on coral reefs off Taytay, Palawan, Philippines.  The barge was loaded with 8000 tons of charcoal was headed to Manila when strong winds broke the towline.  The tugboat was unable to reconnect the line before the winds drove the barge aground.   The Philippine Coast Guard responded and rescued 15 crewmen from the vessel.   No reports of injuries or pollution being released.  Authorities are conducting a survey of the reefs for damage while an the barge is inspected for damage.  The barge is to be pulled free at the next high tide with the assistance from another tugboat.

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Blind Bay Sinking

Blind Bay Sinking

The 72 foot wooden vessel St. Mary sank in  Blind Bay, Shaw Island, Washington.   The vessel was reported to the Coast Guard and Washington State authorities that the vessel sank with 50 gallons of diesel fuel on board.   A thin sheen of oil was spotted on the surface.   No reports of any injuries.   Authorities have contracted divers to remove the remaining oil from the sunken vessel and perform an environmental cleanup of any pollution released.  The cause of the sinking was not released.

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Vinalines Queen

Vinalines Queen

The 190 meter long, 56040 dwt freighter Vinalines Queen was reported lost between Luzon Island, Philippines and Taiwan.  The vessel had reported it had a significant list of 18 degrees sailing in bad weather before contact was lost.   Authorities from Vietnam, Japan and Hong Kong have conducted a search for the vessel for several days, but no sign of the crew or vessel has been found.  The Vinalines Queen with 23 crewmen on board was headed to Ningde City, China from Morowali, Indonesia with 54,400 tons of nickle ore.

Update December 30:

A single crewman was rescued by the vessel London Courage.   The crewman was able to make it to the lifeboat before the Vinalines Queen capsized and sank after suffering a list.   The crewman is in good health and should recover.   The cause of the list is not yet known, but the cause was most likely shift in cargo by water ingress into the holds.

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