US-Flagged Cargo Ship SLNC York Evacuated After Taking on Water in Pacific

The crew of the US-flagged cargo ship SLNC York has been safely evacuated after the vessel began taking on water in the Pacific Ocean, according to operator Schuyler Line Navigation Company (SLNC).

The West Palm Beach, Florida-based company said the incident occurred August 18 while the vessel was operating in the Pacific. The source of the water ingress remains under investigation.

SLNC said the crew and technical teams took immediate action to control the flooding. The vessel remains stable and is expected to receive assistance from a support vessel for the voyage to port.

As a precaution, the entire crew was transferred to the Pacific Yantai, which was nearby and responded to assist.

“All crew members remain safe, uninjured, and fully accounted for,” SLNC said.

AIS data shows the SLNC York traveling from Honolulu, Hawaii, to Naha, Japan.

The SLNC York is part of the U.S. Maritime Administration’s Maritime Security Program, a fleet of commercially operated, militarily useful U.S.-flag vessels available to support Department of Defense sealift requirements during war or national emergencies.

The company is coordinating with the U.S. Coast Guard, Japan Coast Guard and emergency response partners on efforts to assist the SLNC York into port.

SLNC did not disclose the vessel’s precise location, the extent of any damage or the port to which it will be taken.

AIS vessel-tracking data showed the Pacific Yantai listing Yeosu, Republic of Korea, as its destination.

Built in 2010, the SLNC York is a 141.6-meter multipurpose roll-on/roll-off and heavy-lift cargo vessel with a deadweight of about 9,500 metric tons and gross tonnage of 12,679. The ice-class vessel is equipped with two 350-metric-ton heavy-lift cranes and has a service speed of 15.5 knots.

The cause of the water ingress remains under investigation.

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