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Category: Pollution

Two Aground Off Jeju

Two Aground Off Jeju

33 Manseonho
Photo: mbc.com

On the morning of February 1, the 32 ton fishing vessel Samgwangho and the 29 ton fishing vessel 33 Manseonho ran aground in stormy conditions near Tokki Island off the coast of Jeju, South Korea. The Korean Coast Guard had received an alarm from the 33 Manseonho which also transmitted its location. The Coast Guard was able to communicate with the vessel and confirm the vessels had run up on the rocks.  Six Coast Guard vessels along with one from the South Korean Navy launched a search and rescue mission. Eleven of the crew would be later rescued by the Coast Guard. Two crew members, one from each vessel, were reported missing.  A nighttime search was conducted to locate the missing crew.

Reports state also that there were 2 deaths from the incident. Both the captain of the Samgwangho along with a crewmember of the 33 Manseonho suffered cardiac arrest. Both were taken to hospital where they were pronounced dead.

Both vessels sustained heavy damage by the storm as waves pounded the hulls against the rocks. An aerial view over the two vessels found they had broken apart with one missing its stern while the other lost large portion of its forepeak which washed ashore a short distance away. Pollution and debris could be seen along the nearby shoreline. There is no official statement from the owners if the vessels would be salvaged, but it appears the two fishing vessels were a total loss.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. Authorities are also investigating a possible false report of the number of crew on board the vessels. The 33 Manseonho had 8 crew on board while the Samgwangho had 7 crew. Authorities state there was some confusion to how many were reported during the rescue operations. News reports state one of the fishing vessels had suffered engine failure before running aground. No further details reported.

Guang Rong

Guang Rong

Guang Rong
Photo: Italian Coast Guard

On the evening of January 28, the 104 meter long, 10000 dwt cargo vessel Guang Rong (IMO: 9236133) allided with the Pontile di Marina di Massa at Marina di Massa, Italy. The Guang Rong had been at anchor offshore with 9,000 tons of gravel when bad weather caused it’s anchor to drag. The cargo vessel continued to drift until it struck the pier.

Reports state the pier partially collapsed and the Guang Rong sustained hull damage. The cargo vessel had its hull holed and developed a starboard list. All 13 crew abandoned ship and rescued by the Italian Coast Guard. No reports of injuries.

Reports state there is a large sheen of fuel pollution around the cargo vessel.  Authorities have contracted a salvage firm to contain and clean up any pollution released. Authorities state the cargo vessel will be refloated as soon as conditions allow.

The incident is under investigation. Italian authorities have stated the Guang Rong had been detained multiple times for multiple infractions and deficiencies between 2022 and 2024.

 

 

Ohama Maru No 8

Ohama Maru No 8

Ohama Maru No 8
Photo: www.yomiuri.co.jp

On the early morning of January 6, the  30 meter long, 80 gt fishing vessel Ohama Maru No. 8 (IMO: 2694609) capsized 31 kilometers east of Kitaibaraki, Japan. The fishing vessel with 20 crew on board was fishing for sardines assisted by two other vessels.  As the Ohama Maru No. 8 was hauling in the catch along its starboard hull, it lost stability and began to list. Even with another vessel connected a line to the port side and pulling at full speed, the the Ohama Maru No. 8 to further list.  The crew attempted to cut the net to release the fish and restore stability, but it was too late and the fishing vessel capsized.

After being thrown overboard, 15 of the 20 crew were rescued from the water. Two additional crew members were later recovered, but they had perished during the incident. Three crew were  reported as missing. The Japan Coast Guard launched a search and rescue operation with four patrol vessels and a helicopter searching the area.  The Coast Guard stated the vessel sank in over 200 meters of water and was too deep for divers to inspect the hull.

Ohama Maru No 8
Photo: www.yomiuri.co.jp

Reports state the Ohama Maru No. 8 had been able to haul in large catches in the past. One of the crew stated the catch was roughly 300 tons and the fishing vessel had brought in safely catches over 500 tons.

The police have launched an investigation into the incident. Reports state the police are considering charges of professional negligence resulting in death and a possibility of neglect in safety management. Reports state there is a large oil sheen visible above the wreck. No word if the vessel would be recovered or if there would be attempts to secure the fuel tanks.