Ishikawa Maru

Ishikawa Maru

Ishikawa Maru
Photo: newsdig.tbs.co.jp

On the night of August 3, the fishing vessel Ishikawa Maru capsized fishing boat in the Seto Inland Sea some 18 kilometers southeast of the southern tip of Cape Motoyama near Onoda City, Japan. The Ishikawa Maru had been fishing with 2 persons on board, the master of the vessel and his wife, when it was struck by another vessel during the night. The collision caused the  Ishikawa Maru to rollover and capsize sending both people on board into the water.

Ishikawa Maru
Photo: newsdig.tbs.co.jp

When the Ishikawa Maru had to arrived back to port at its usual time, a member of the fishing cooperative alerted authorities.  The Japanese Coast Guard launched a search and rescue operation in the area and found the captain clinging to the bottom of the overturn fishing vessel. He had sustained minor injuries. The Coast Guard also found his wife, but reports state she had perished.

The Japanese Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident. The incident is being classified as a hit-and-run. An inspection of the Ishikawa Maru hull show signs of collision marks.

Harbour Princess

Harbour Princess

Harbour Princess
Photo: globalnews.ca

On the morning of August 3, the 26 meter long passenger ship Harbour Princess (MMSI: 316022498) ran aground in the Burrand Inlet off Point Atkinson, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The Harbour Princess was on a morning excursion with 58 passengers when it struck a rock in Starboat Cove. Passengers reported the vessel made a loud thud and abruptly stopped. The jolt knocked some off their feet.  The passenger ship sent out a distress call with multiple agencies responding led by the Canadian Coast Guard. The Harbour Princess did not suffer any water ingress, but the passenger ship was escorted back to its berth in Coal Harbour where it safely unloaded its passengers. Reports state 2 passengers were injured during the incident. One was taken to hospital for treatment.

According to news reports, the Harbour Princess struck the rock close to high tide.  Authorities have not stated if this obstruction was clearly mapped on the charts or not. Authorities have not yet stated if there will be an investigation into the incident.

Hyang Ro Bong

Hyang Ro Bong

Hyang Ro Bong
Photo: nate.com

On the afternoon of July 31, the 113 meter long, 1700 dwt South Korean Navy amphibious landing craft Hyang Ro Bong (LST-683) caught fire in the Sea of Japan off Jinhae, South Korea. The Hyang Ro Bong was entering the port at Jinhae when a fire started in a machinery space.  One of the auxiliary engines had ignited the blaze which spread to several adjacent compartments. Due to the compartment layout, the main fire wasn’t contained until the early morning the next day. Fire fighters would eventually extinguish the blaze some 12 hours after it started.

Three crew members sustained injuries during the incident. One was taken to hospital for treatment for burns while the other 2 received treatment for smoke inhalation and returned back to their unit. The South Korean Navy has launched an investigation into the incident. The extent of damage caused by the fire was not disclosed.

Hyang Ro Bong
Photo: wikipedia.org