The 161 meter long, 20406 dwt container ship Wilhelm E. caught fire while berthed at Penang, Malaysia. The fire started around the boiler in the engine room. Local fire brigade and a harbor tug responded to the scene and extinguished the fire. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
The 28 meter long fishing vessel Zhejiang went aground on the Yangtze River. The vessel had suffered water ingress and the crew requested assistance. Authorities dispatched helicopters and rescue craft to the scene. All 9 crew were safely rescued. No further details reported.
The 157 meter long, 19796 dwt freighter Kiani Satu went aground off Knysna, South Africa. The Kiani Satu had been suffering engine problems and attempted to drop anchor. However, heavy seas cause the anchor to drag and the freighter was swept ashore. The master requested assistance and all 19 crew were airlifted off the vessel by the NSRI. No reports of injuries. The freighter began leak heavy fuel into the water from a breached tank. Reports state some 3 tons oil had been released and an oil was visible on the beach. Authorities are attempting to contain the pollution while salvors pump oil from the leaking tank into another tank higher up within the vessel. Weather conditions prevent any underwater repairs to be done at the time. The Kiani Satu had 15,000 tons of rice from Vietnam bound for Gabon.
More photos of the wreck can be seen here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/searescue
