On the morning of January 1, the 168 meter long, 28440 dwt bulk carrier CSE Prosperity Express (IMO: 9345647) ran aground in the Philippine Sea near Hualien, Taiwan. The CSE Prosperity Express had been at the Thathong anchorage when it received notification to proceed to enter the port of Hualien. The bulk carrier was waiting for a pilot to come onboard to guide the vessel into port when it suffered main engine failure. Weather conditions were poor with a strong northeasterly winds and heavy seas which caused the CSE Prosperity Express to drift towards shore.
Taiwan authorities were alerted and dispatched the 35 meter long tugboat Taigang 13205 (MMSI: 416001709) to assist. As the towing line was being established between the tug and bulk carrier, the Taigang 13205 became entangled in the line. The tug lost propulsion and was driven ashore on a rocky beach in Huaren Beach in Beikou, Hualien, Taiwan. Authorities determined it was unsafe to do a rescue by sea and requested a helicopter to rescue the 5 crew on the tug. The helicopter would arrive on scene and airlift all the tug’s crew to safety. One crew on the tug sustained a head injury and taken to hospital for treatment. The Taigang 13205 crew were able to close the fuel tank valves in the hope to contain any diesel fuel pollution from being released.
With the tugboat ashore, there was no vessel’s to assist the disabled CSE Prosperity Express. The bulk carrier continued to drift toward the shore when it grounded a short distance off the beach near the grounded Taigang 13205. The 17 crew on the bulk carrier were reported not to be in danger and there no reports of injuries.
Reports state that authorities have requested additional pollution containment supplies including oil booms and absorbent pads. A salvage tug was later requested would arrive on scene the next day. Salvagers are looking at ways to pull the bulk carrier free with the difficult conditions and limiting risk of pollution.
