On December 21, the 110 meter long, 9149 dwt tanker Zhong Fa (IMO: 9054573) became disabled in the Taiwan Strait approximately 11 miles southeast Damai Island, China. The tanker was headed to Fuxhou when it suffered main engine failure and went adrift. Authorities sent out alerts to nearby vessels to keep a safe distance. Reports state the Zhong Fa was taken under tow and reached Huangqi Bay where it dropped anchor off Huangqi, China. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
In early December (exact date not reported), the 175 meter long, 24,290 dwt cargo vessel Liberty Harvest (IMO: 9526291) allided on the Mediterranean Sea at Marmaris, Muğla, Turkey. The Liberty Harvest had arrived at Marmaris to load a cargo of luxury yachts suffered engine failure as it maneuvered in port. Unable to slow down, the cargo vessel slammed into the concrete pier. The Liberty Harvest sustained damage with part of its bulbous bow crushed. The pier also suffered some damage from the impact, but remained structurally intact. There were no reports of injuries on the vessel or on the pier.
The Liberty Harvest would later be towed just outside of Marmaris where it dropped anchor. The cargo vessel remained out of service for a week while inspections were carried out. Repair work on the bow was undertaken and the Liberty Harvest returned into service on December 21. The cargo vessel would proceed into the harbour where it began cargo loading operations.
The Turkish Coast Guard and the local port authority have launched an investigation into the incident.
On the morning of December 23, an 55 ton fishing vessel (name not disclosed) caught fire in the Sea of Japan some 20 kilometers southeast of Songjeong-dong, Busan, South Korea. The fire broke out in the vessel’s engine room and could not be contained. The vessel requested assistance with the South Korean Coast Guard responding. Reports state that all 8 crew were rescued off the fishing vessel by the Coast Guard. The fishing vessel was last reported as completely gutted by the fire and was a total loss.
The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident. No details disclosed if any of the 8 crew on the fishing vessel sustained any injuries from the incident.