On May 3, the 158 meter long, 47290 dwt bulk carrier Hongwei 618 became disabled off Shidao, China. The bulk carrier had suffered engine failure and went adrift. The vessel contacted the authorities who dispatched the Bei Hai Jiu 118 to the scene. The Bei Hai Jiu 118 was attached a towline to the Hongwei 618 and proceeded to an anchorage off Shidao. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
The 190 meter long, 56692 dwt bulk carrier Yue Dian 57 collided with the 40 meter long patrol vessel Zhongguohaijing 3062 near Nei Island in the Pearl River estuary, Guangdong, China. The bulk carrier was headed to Tianjin from Guangzhou when it struck the patrol vessel. The Zhongguohaijing 3062 capsized and sank sending the eight crew into water. Local fishermen were able to rescue all eight crew. No reports of injuries.
The Yue Dian 57 dropped anchor near the incident site. Authorities quickly dispatched a salvage team to the scene. A barge with a crane was able to raise the patrol vessel.
Reports state the Zhongguohaijing 3062 was engage in monitoring the area for illegal fishing. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
On April 6, the 97 meter long, 6033 dwt cargo vessel Xiang Zhou collided and sank off Nantong, China. The Xiang Zho was en route from Nantong to Busan, Korea with 4,000 tons of steel coils when it was struck by a lighter vessel some 13 miles off shore. The Xiang Zhou quickly capsized and sank.
Chinese authorities were alerted and launched a search and rescue operation. Some five patrol boats, 10 commercial vessels and several tugs began a search in the area for survivors. The rescuers found 2 crew and rescued them from the water. However, 12 crewmen are still reported as missing.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.