Shipwreck Log - Page 29

On the night of August 27, the 49 meter long, 274 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry Monreal (IMO: 7225477) caught fire in the Ragay Gulf one nautical mile off San Andres, Philippines. The Monreal was headed to San Andres from Aroroy, Masbate with 66 passengers and 53 crew on board when a fire broke out in a crew’s cabin. The fire was ignited by an electrical short and quickly spread through the cabin. The crew was able to react quickly and contain the blaze while an electrician on board the ferry was able to restore electrical power.

The ferry arrived at San Andres where passengers and crew disembarked and were given medical checks. There were no reports of injuries to the 119 people on board. The Philippine Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident and has detained the Monreal.

Allision off Iowa

August 28, 2025 Paul Hancock

On the early morning hours of August 26, a string of barges allided on the Mississippi River near Keokuk, Iowa. The barges being pushed by an undisclosed towboat was heading north when it struck the bridge connecting Keokuk, Iowa and Hamilton, Illinois.

The Coast Guard stated there was no damage or injuries from the incident. Reports stated that some cargo crates had fallen overboard, but were later recovered. There has been on official release of the towboat’s name involved in the incident. Some speculation on social media suggests the towboat was the 39 meter long Bernard G (MMSI: 367505650), but this could not be confirmed.

San Esteban

August 27, 2025 Paul Hancock

On the morning of August 26, the 17 meter long former tugboat San Esteban ran aground on the Ría de Vigo at Plaia América, Spain. The tugboat had suffered a mechanical failure and drifted ashore onto the beach. The San Esteban remained aground until later that afternoon when it refloated by the 15 meter long rescue vessel Punta da Guía (MMSI: 225990314) on the rising tide. The Punta da Guía took the San Esteban under tow back to the Baiona docks. No reports of injuries or pollution released.

The San Esteban was built in 1902 as a fishing vessel named Venture. The vessel was converted into a tugboat in 1907 and served in the port of San Esteban until it was decommissioned in 1970. The vessel was restored in the late 1990s and recently in 2021.