The 87 meter long tanker Sheng Chang ran aground in heavy seas and winds of 85 miles per hour near Kaohsiung, Taiwan.  The tanker was in ballast and had only 4 tons of diesel fuel on board when it was driven aground by Typhoon Matmo.  The four crew on board sent out a distress call and later a rescue helicopter air lifted the crew to safety.  No reports of injuries.  The tanker was locally own and it’s insurance had expired.  Typhoon Matmo prevents efforts to inspect the vessel for damage.  Owners are expected to wait to the following day as conditions should improve allowing the remaining fuel on board to be removed.

 

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