INCE EXPRESS; Wake Island

Wake Island | 1998-Jan-30

Initial Notification: The bulk carrier M/V INCE EXPRESS is reported to be taking on water as a result of cracks or hull fractures in the starboard and port bow. The vessel is off the south shore of Wake Island in the vicinity of the entrance to the port. NOAA NWS reports that winds were varying between NE and SE at about 10 knots with 9-10 ft of swell out of the northwest. Water is entering the cargo hold No. 1 and some of the cargo (copper concentrates) was reported escaping. Cargo on board consists of 17,103 metric tons (MT) copper concentrates in holds #1 & #4; 14,407 MT (beep bulp?) pellets in holds #2 & #5; and 5, 532 MT zinc in hold #3. An unknown quantity of fuel is on board. Salvage personnel and divers are on scene and developing a repair plan. The plan will most likely include bringing the vessel into the port dock once the fuel barge currently there has completed off loading its cargo of aviation fuel. USCG district 14.