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Category: Sank

Dongfangzhixing (Eastern Star)

Dongfangzhixing (Eastern Star)

Eastern Star
Photo: abc.net.au

The 76 meter long four-deck river passenger ship Eastern Star (Dongfangzhixing) capsized and sank on the Yangtze River in the Wuhan, Damazhou area. The vessel was carrying 405 passengers, 5 travel agents and 48 crew on a holiday cruise  up the Yangtze from Nanjing to Chongqing when it was struck by a severe storm. The storm with heavy rain and strong winds caused the vessel to capsize and sink within just a few minutes.

https://youtu.be/AT_7zR6b3wE

Many passengers were still asleep on board when the vessel sank. It is believed they received no warning and were still in their cabins. Reports state only 12 of the 458 on board were rescued.  Several swam ashore while others were pulled from the water. Some required treatment for minor injuries and were taken to a local hospital. Among the survivors was the Captain and Chief Engineer of the Eastern Star. They state a cyclone struck the vessel and did not allow the vessel to send out a distress call.

Authorities responded quickly and had several rescue boats on the scene. Some 20 divers were requested to aid efforts while some 100 local fishing boats have joined in the search and rescue efforts.  A crane barge has been requested to help right the overturn hull in hopes to find survivors who may have found an airpocket.

https://youtu.be/VWMpxteCk4M

Little Mike

Little Mike

Little Mike
Photo: kfvs12.com

On May 27, the 40 foot long towboat sank on the Mississippi River off Cape Girardeau, Missouri. The vessel had sunk during the early morning hours with no one on board. The vessel had some 150 gallons of fuel on board and the Coast Guard was monitoring to see if any pollution has been released. Reports state the Little Mike sank outside the navigation channel and does not intefere with river traffic.  The owners have stated they will wait until the river level drops before salvage begins.

97 Samyoung

97 Samyoung

The 22 ton tugboat 97 Samyoung sank off Busan, South Korea near Dudo Island.  The 97 Samyoung was towing another vessel when its towing cable snapped and slapped against the side of the tug’s hull causing the vessel to later sink. The two crew on board were knocked into the water and were later found unconscious.  The men were taken to hospital, but reported that they had perished. Authorities have placed booms around the sunken tug to contain any pollution released.  Reports state an investigation has been launched about the incident.