US-Flagged SLNC York Floods in Pacific: 9,500-Ton Ship Stabilised
Crew evacuated as 141.6m RORO vessel takes on water 1,200 nautical miles from Japan
A U.S.-flagged cargo vessel, the SLNC York, was stabilized after taking on water in the Pacific Ocean on August 18, 2026, prompting the evacuation of its entire crew. The 141.6-meter roll-on/roll-off (RORO) ship issued a distress call while traveling from Honolulu, Hawaii, to Naha, Japan.
The operator, Schuyler Line Navigation Company (SLNC), confirmed that the crew and technical teams acted quickly to control the flooding. Though the exact cause remains under investigation, the vessel—part of the U.S. Maritime Administration’s Maritime Security Program—is now stable. However, it will require assistance from a support ship to reach port safely.
A nearby vessel, the Pacific Yantai, responded to the distress call, ensuring the safe evacuation of all crew members. SLNC has since coordinated with the U.S. Coast Guard, Japanese Coast Guard, and other emergency responders to secure the ship.
Rapid response prevents further damage: SLNC York
The SLNC York, built in 2010, is a multipurpose RORO and heavy-lift cargo ship with a deadweight of 9,500 tons and a gross tonnage of 12,679. Equipped with two heavy-lift cranes and capable of speeds up to 15.5 knots, the vessel plays a key role in transporting military supplies for the U.S. Department of Defense during emergencies or conflicts.
While the immediate crisis has been resolved, critical details remain undisclosed. SLNC has not specified the extent of the damage, the port where the ship will be towed, or when it might return to service. Authorities, including the U.S. and Japanese Coast Guards, are expected to investigate the incident further.
Sign up free to ask CAMAL AI for a summary, the key points or anything else about this story.
Related stories
CAMAL AI
Financial Ports Newsletter
The maritime economy, every morning
Ports, shipping and freight markets in one short email. Free.
