The 149 meter long, 19996 dwt tanker Strilen caught fire while berthed in Busan, South Korea. The fire started in the vessel’s superstructure forcing the evacuation of the 23 crew on board. No reports of injuries. Local firefighters arrived on scene and extinguished the blaze. The cause of the fire was not reported.
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.
On March 14, the 91 meter long tanker Sun Wing caught fire in the Sea of Japan off Busan, South Korea. The crew of the tanker, loaded with nitric and sulfuric acid, reported the vessel was on fire and suffered a hull breach. The 16 crew abandoned ship into the vessel’s life rafts as it engulfed in flames. The Korean Coast Guard dispatched helicopters and ships to the scene. All 16 crew were rescued. Three were injured by burns and were taken to hospital. No further details reported.
