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Category: Sank

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.

Kulle Christoph SK30

Kulle Christoph SK30

Kulle Christoph SK30
Photo: ff-heikendorf.de

On January 2, the 12 meter long, 19 gt fishing vessel Kulle Christoph SK30 sank in the Baltic Sea at Heikendorf, Germany. The fishing vessel had been in a bad state for some time before it sprung a leak and sunk at its berth. Reports state the vessel was owned by a local authority which was looking for a way to scrap/dispose of the vessel. There were no crew on board at the time it sank. Authorities have placed booms around the Kulle Christoph SK30 to contain the pollution. A salvage company will remove the vessel after all the necessary paperwork is completed.

Dolphin 18

Dolphin 18

Dolphin 18
Photo: dantri.com.vn

On the morning of December 11, the 93 meter long, 7950 dwt cargo vessel Dolphin 18 (IMO: 9216341) sank in the South China Sea some 146 nautical miles north of Riau Islands, Indonesia. The Dolphin 18 was headed to An Giang from Papua New Guinea with 5,300 cubic meters of wood when it suffered undisclosed accident and sent out a distress call. The 18 crew on board were able to abandon ship into 2 life rafts before the Dolphin 18 sank.

Authorities in Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam issued out a maritime notice for nearby vessels to look for the life rafts. Fortunately, the 199 meter long container ship Nicolai Maersk (IMO: 9192454) was close by and safely rescued the 18 crew. Reports state all crew members are in good condition and no reports of injuries. The Nicolai Maersk will transport the crew to Tanjung Pelepas, Malaysia.

Nicolai Maersk

The details as to why the cargo vessel sank have not be disclosed. Reports due state that weather was rough with strong winds reaching near gale force (28 knots) and waves reaching 5 meters high.  No government authority has announced any investigation into the incident. The Dolphin 18 is operated by Hai Phuong Shipping Company Limited based in Vietnam.