On April 6, the 366 meter long, 145327 dwt container ship Umm Salal ran aground in the Malacca Strait off Port Klang, Malaysia. The boxship had departed Port Klang bound for Khor Fakkan when it grounded just off the fairway. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
On April 6, the 97 meter long, 6033 dwt cargo vessel Xiang Zhou collided and sank off Nantong, China. The Xiang Zho was en route from Nantong to Busan, Korea with 4,000 tons of steel coils when it was struck by a lighter vessel some 13 miles off shore. The Xiang Zhou quickly capsized and sank.
Chinese authorities were alerted and launched a search and rescue operation. Some five patrol boats, 10 commercial vessels and several tugs began a search in the area for survivors. The rescuers found 2 crew and rescued them from the water. However, 12 crewmen are still reported as missing.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
The 40 meter long high speed catamaran ferry KAI Shiuan No. 3 ran aground in the Taiwan Straits off Taiwan. The ferry was en route from Penghu Island to Dongshi, Chiayi, Taiwan with 346 passengers when it suffered engine failure. The catamaran went adrift until it ran aground some 8 miles off Taiwan. The vessel sustained hull damage and suffered water ingress. The crew sent out a distress call with the Taiwan Coast Guard responding.
The Coast Guard dispatched four rescue boats to the scene assisted by another passenger ship. Rescuers evacuated all 346 passengers off the KAI Shiuan No. 3. No reports of injuries. Reports state the passengers were calm and there was no panic on board, but several passengers stated they were nervous. No further details reported on the status of the KAI Shiuan No. 3.