Crystal Asia

Crystal Asia

Crystal Asia
Photo: Korea Coast Guard

On March 26, the 135.5 meter long 8053 dwt refrigerated cargo vessel Crystal Asia (IMO: 9053957) caught fire in the Sea of Japan off Busan, South Korea. The Crystal Asia had travelled just 5 miles from the port of Busan when a fire broke out in the engine room. Alerted by the dense smoke billowing from the reefer, authorities dispatched multiple rescue boats. The rescue boats arrived on site and firefighters boarded the Crystal Asia where they extinguished the blaze.

The rescue boats were able to safely evacuate all 23 crew off the Crystal Asia.  Six crew sustained injuries with 2 suffering severe burns while 4 others with minor burns. Reports state the severely injured crew were taken to hospital for treatment. A tug was later dispatched and towed the Crystal Asia back to port. Authorities were able to do an inspection of the vessel. An initial report indicates that there may have been an explosion that started the fire and not a malfunction in the engine room.

 

 

Sadong 33

Sadong 33

Sadong 33
Photo: Philippine Navy

On the early morning hours of March 25, the tugboat Sadong 33 capsized in Sarangani Bay near Maasim, Philippines.  The Sadong 33 was towing the 59 meter long landing craft LCT Sea Asia (IMO:8843551) from Glan, Sarangani to Iligan City when its towline was struck by the 169 meter long, 28388 dwt bulk carrier Universe Kaisa (IMO: 9283849). The bulk carrier passed too close to the towing line causing the line to snap and resulting in the Sadong 33 to suddenly rollover.

Six of the eight crew were later rescued by the Philippine Coast Guard.  The captain of the Sadong 33 and one other crew member perished. Authorities state the captain’s body was later recovered. There were no reports of injuries or damage on the Universe Kaisa or the LCT Sea Asia.  Authorities have placed booms around the overturn Sadong 33 to contain any pollution released. Reports state the Sadong 33 had somewhere between 50 to 100 meters of towline between itself and the LCT Sea Asia during the incident. The Philippine Coast Guard has stated that legal charges may be filed against the master and crew of the Universe Kiza.

 

Collision off Rosario

Collision off Rosario

Nicia

On March 26, the 135 meter long, 10482 dwt bulk carrier Sangko Uno 66 (IMO: 9964534) collided in Manila Bay with the 483 gt landing craft LCT Nicia (IMO: 8946016) off Rosario, Cavite, Philippines. The LCT Nicia was bound for Cebu when it struck the Sangko Uno 66 on its way to Pasay. Both vessels only sustained minor damage and there were no reports of injuries or pollution released. The Philippine Coast Guard directed both vessels to proceed to Manila where authorities will conduct an investigation into the incident.