Working Conditions Aboard the Nyk-Joanna

On the evening of April 13, 2020, a security breach was reported involving the container ship 'NYK Joanna', which was anchored off the coast of Manila. Two intruders in a non-illuminated small boat managed to board the vessel at the coordinates 14°36'06"N, 120°52'16"E around 7:30 PM. Fortunately, the vigilant duty seaman, conducting routine patrols, spotted the suspicious activity and promptly raised the alarm. The crew was mustered and proceeded to the forecastle area to confront the situation. Upon realizing that the crew was alerted, the robbers hastily abandoned the ship, fleeing the scene with stolen items. Thankfully, there were no injuries reported among the crew members. The incident has been formally reported to the relevant Philippine authorities for further investigation.

In a maritime incident early on April 19, 2018, the container ship 'NYK Joanna' found itself grounded on a coral reef off the coast of Subic Bay. The vessel was navigating away from Subic Bay, en route to Manila shortly after midnight. To avoid a collision with a nearby fishing boat, the ship veered into shallower waters near McMany’s Point, resulting in the grounding. Fortunately, the 'NYK Joanna' sustained only minor damage upon impact with the hard corals. A thorough inspection conducted by the Philippine Coast Guard, alongside a towage company, confirmed that no leaks or oil spills occurred. By approximately 11 a.m., the vessel was successfully refloated and anchored in a designated safe area to undergo further safety assessments. It remained moored at Subic Bay Anchorage on April 20 while additional evaluations ensured its seaworthiness before permitting it to resume its journey.

In a remarkable act of bravery and seamanship, the container ship "NYK Joanna" successfully rescued seven fishermen from Pangasinan who found themselves in perilous waters after their vessel, the "Queen Mitch Petal Dasol-Pangasinan," sank due to the fierce tropical storm Kabayan. The incident occurred approximately 220 kilometers off the coast of Luzon, where the fishermen had been adrift for more than 24 hours. Following their rescue, the Philippine embassy in Tokyo acted swiftly, providing vital consular support. Embassy personnel met the fishermen at Haneda port, ensuring they had travel arrangements back to Manila for their flight set for October 7. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is currently liaising with Bolinao Mayor Noli Celeste and the Department of Social Welfare and Development to facilitate the fishermen's return to their home in Pangasinan. This incident highlights both the dangers faced by those at sea and the importance of international cooperation in times of crisis.