Ro-Ro Passenger Ship Loses Control, Hits Moored Vessel At Port Of Jolo In The Philippines

A roll-on, roll-off (Ro-Ro) passenger ship crashed into another vessel at the Port of Jolo in Sulu on the morning of 4 November, as Typhoon Tino brought strong waves to the southern Philippines, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported.

The PCG said the MV Maria Rebecca, owned by Montenegro Shipping Lines, lost control while attempting to dock at around 7:45 a.m. due to rough sea conditions. The ship’s starboard side hit the front part of the moored MV Antonia 1 of Alesson Shipping Lines.

PCG spokesperson Captain Noemie Cayabyab stated that initial assessments indicated no casualties, injuries or oil spills, and that there was no immediate threat to maritime safety. She added that a joint inspection and evaluation was underway to determine the extent of the damage to both vessels.

The Coast Guard clarified that the incident was categorised as an allision, a maritime term used when a moving vessel strikes a stationary one.

Personnel from the Coast Guard Station Western Sulu and the Coast Guard Sub-Station Jolo immediately responded to the incident, implementing port safety measures and ensuring that both vessels were secured.

After MV Maria Rebecca safely docked, the Coast Guard advised the captains of both ships to file marine protests for documentation and investigation purposes.

Cayabyab stated that the PCG continues to monitor the situation and is coordinating with the concerned shipping companies to ensure the safety of port operations in Jolo.

Typhoon Tino remained within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Tuesday, bringing strong winds, high waves, and heavy rainfall across several parts of the country.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said that the storm was last tracked near Patnongon, Antique, with winds of 130 kilometres per hour and gusts up to 180 kph.

The Office of Civil Defence reported that 26 people had died so far, mostly in the Central Visayas region, as the typhoon continued to cause severe weather conditions in several provinces.

Reference: PCG

Source: Maritime Shipping News