Shipwreck Log

Photo: photoblog.nbcnews.com

After four days, the 68 meter long minesweeper USS Guardian has remained stuck on Tubbataha Reef.   Rough weather has pushed the vessel further up onto the coral reef.   Initially stranded at the bow, the USS Guardian now rests broadside to the reef with the starboard hull on the reef.   The Navy reports that the hull has begun to list to port and there is evidence the vessel has suffered water ingress.  However, no  signs of oil pollution yet being released.

Photo: Philippine Navy

Along with several US Navy vessels, Philippine Coast Guard and a salvage tug remain on scene.   Forecasts show high winds and 2 meter waves in the area to continue for several more days preventing containment booms being deployed.   A lighter vessel is scheduled to arrive on scene with oil recovery equipment.

The Navy has reported that a major factor to the cause of the grounding was an error on a digital chart.   The paper copy of the chart along with other digital charts correctly showed the reef location, but the one digital version on the USS Guardian had anomaly.  Naval authorities have stated that the investigation into the grounding will continue looking at other potential factors.

Related articles

• USS Guardian (shipwrecklog.com)
• Digital chart error may have led to USS Guardian running aground on reef (wtkr.com)
• Crew of USS Guardian Removed as US Navy 7th Fleet Salvors Get to Work (gcaptain.com)
• Commander of USS Guardian expresses regret on Tubbataha Reef damage (globalnation.inquirer.net)

Photo: flickr

The 262 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry Super Shuttle Ferry 15 went aground near Merida, Leyte, Philippines.  The ferry had left port at Ormoc City with 191 passengers headed for Cebu City when it lost power after suffering engine failure.   The vessel drifted until it ran aground onto shallow waters.   The vessel contacted the Philippine Coast Guard stating the vessel had gone aground and it’s sister ship, the Super Shuttle Ferry 23, was being sent to the scene.   A few hours later the Super Shuttle Ferry 23 arrived and safely transferred 185 passengers and proceeded back to Ormoc City.  No reports of injuries.   The Super Shuttle Ferry 15 will be refloated by the assistance of the Super Shuttle 23 on the following day.  Authorities dispatched inspectors and personnel to help assess the situation.

The 52 meter long, 1320 dwt tuboat Kosco 202 and its barge under tow sank off Zambales, Philippines.  The tug was heading to Indonesia from Shanghai, China to deliver the barge when it encountered Typhoon Saola.   The tugboat and barge were quickly overwhelm by 16 to 20 foot waves.  The barge sank and the tug began to sink as the engine room began to fill with water.  The vessel contacted the Philippine Coast Guard requesting assistance.   The seven crew of the Kosco 202 then abandoned ship into the vessel’s rubber liferaft.   The Coast Guard dispatched a 56 meter long rescue vessel to the scene.  The rescuers found the liferaft and were quickly ushered to safety.   The crew were later taken to Subic Bay.   No reports of injuries.

The 1612 gt ro-ro cargo freighter Bayang allided with the barge Asian Roger in Manila Bay near Tondo, Philippines.  The Bayang’s anchor had dragged in the rough seas caused by Typhoon Gener.  The ro-ro was pushed by the waves until it struck into the anchored barge.   The Bayang’s hull suffered a two foot hole allowing water ingress.   The Bayang quickly flooded and partially sank with the hull resting on the bottom.  No details to whether the Asian Roger suffered any damages in the collision.   No reports of injuries from either vessel.   The Philippine Coast Guard requested the owner of the Bayang to place a boom around the vessel to contain any possible pollution released.