On May 30, the 193 meter long, 29980 dwt cargo vessel Rickmers Hamburg collided with the self-propelled barge Jiang Shun 1318 in the Bohai Sea off Tianjin, China. The Rickmers Hamburg was departing from Tianjin bound for Kobe, Japan when it struck the aft section of the Jiang Shun 1318. The barge partially sank as the stern flooded. One crewman was missing and another perished on the Jiang Shun. Authorities ordered the Rickmers Hamburg to an anchorage off Tianjin while an investigation is conducted.
The 76 meter long four-deck river passenger ship Eastern Star (Dongfangzhixing) capsized and sank on the Yangtze River in the Wuhan, Damazhou area. The vessel was carrying 405 passengers, 5 travel agents and 48 crew on a holiday cruise up the Yangtze from Nanjing to Chongqing when it was struck by a severe storm. The storm with heavy rain and strong winds caused the vessel to capsize and sink within just a few minutes.
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Many passengers were still asleep on board when the vessel sank. It is believed they received no warning and were still in their cabins. Reports state only 12 of the 458 on board were rescued. Several swam ashore while others were pulled from the water. Some required treatment for minor injuries and were taken to a local hospital. Among the survivors was the Captain and Chief Engineer of the Eastern Star. They state a cyclone struck the vessel and did not allow the vessel to send out a distress call.
Photo: astroawani.com
Photo: chinadaily.com.cn
Photo: abc.net.au
Authorities responded quickly and had several rescue boats on the scene. Some 20 divers were requested to aid efforts while some 100 local fishing boats have joined in the search and rescue efforts. A crane barge has been requested to help right the overturn hull in hopes to find survivors who may have found an airpocket.
The 50 meter long tanker Da You 78 collided with an unidentified vessel in the East China Sea off Zhoushan, China. The tanker sustained severe damage and caught fire after the collision. The 16 crew on board abandoned ship and were rescued. No reports of injuries. Local salvage vessels responded to the scene with fire fighting equipment. Reports state there was a significant amount of pollution released.
