The 203 meter long 41,553 dwt container ship Ze Hong ran aground in the Bohai Sea at Yinghou, China. The boxship made a navigation error as it maneuvered into the harbor and ran up on a bank just off the breakwater.
The crew were able to refloat the vessel under its own power. Authorities dispatched three tugs which towed the Ze Hong to a nearby berth later the same day. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released. Authorities launched an investigation into the incident.
The 132 meter long, 8576 dwt cargo vessel Kum San capsized and sank off Lianyuanhang, China. The Kum San was at anchor when it was struck by a bunkering tanker. The tanker was maneuovering when it struck into the hull of the Kum San. The Kum San suffered a large breach below the waterline causing uncontrolled water ingress.
The cargo vessel developed a severe list forcing the crew to abandon ship into a lifeboat. All 27 crew of the Kum San were rescued by Chinese Coast Guard assisted by nearby ships. No reports of injuries.
The Kum San continued to list until it capsized and sank just a few hours after the collision. Authorities are monitoring the area for pollution. Reports state the Kum San had several tons of fuel on board when it sank.
Initial investigations found the Kum San transponder was either malfunctioning or turned off which may be the leading factor why the vessels collided. The Kum San was thought to be loaded with cargo of possibly coal and had been at anchor for over a week.
On March 7, the 30 meter long tanker Izmail 2 caught fire in the Sea of Marmara off Hereke, Turkey. The three crew on board sent out a distress call and requested assistance. The Turkish authorities dispatched the patrol boat Kiyem 2 along with a tugboat to the scene. The Kiyem 2 was able to contain the fire assisted by the tugboat a few hours later. The vessels safely evacuated all three crewmen off the Izmail 2. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
