Browsed by
Author: Paul Hancock

Shipwreckguy
Sagan

Sagan

Sagan
Photo: asahicom.jp

The 108 meter long, 5404 dwt tanker Sagan ran aground in the East China Sea off Suwanose Island, Kagoshima, Japan. The tanker was headed to Japan from Taiwan when it blown ashore by strong winds and heavy seas. The hull was breached on the rocky shoreline. The Sagan’s fuel tanks were ruptured and released fuel oil into the sea. A large spill formed around the western side of the island. The pollution was being being dispersed by rough seas.

The crew alerted authorities and requested assistance. The Japan Coast Guard dispatched a helicopter to the scene and hoisted all 18 crew to safety. No reports of injuries.

Min Long Yu 66822

Min Long Yu 66822

Min Long Yu 66822

On February 6, the 30 meter long fishing vessel Min Long Yu 66822 sank in the Strait of Formosa near Penghu Islands, Taiwan. The Min Long Yu 66822 alerted authorities the vessel was in distress in moderate seas with waves reaching 4 meters. The fishing vessel had suffered uncontrolled water ingress. As the fishing vessel flooded, it developed a severe list to starboard.

Min Long Yu 66822

Chinese authorities dispatched two helicopters while Taiwanese officials launched rescue boats to aid in the search and rescue operation. One helicopter arrived on scene first and hosted all 11 crew off the Min Long Yu. One crewman sustained minor injuries during the rescue.

Sea Puppy

Sea Puppy

Sea Puppy
Photo: uscg

On February 8, the fishing vessel Sea Puppy caught fire off St. Catherines Island, Georgia. The Coast Guard was alerted by the crew the vessel was on fire and sinking. The Coast Guard dispatched a helicopter from Savannah along with an 29 foot response boat from Tybee Island. The helicopter arrived on scene and hoisted all three crew off the Sea Puppy safely. No reports of injuries.


The fire gutted the vessel which a short time later sank. The Coast Guard remained on site to monitor the area for pollution. The incident is under investigation.