The 71 meter long, 1488 dwt general cargo Sophia (IMO: 8356089) went aground by Typhoon Gaemi. The Sophia was blown ashore off Pingtung, Taiwan ending up high and dry on the beach. The Taiwan Coast Guard arrived on scene. The Coast Guard formed a human chain and strung safety lines to allow the 12 crew on the Sophia to safely reach the shore. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
The 56 meter long, 599 gt general cargo vessel Fu Shun (IMO: 8545654) sank some 19 miles off Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The Fu Shun had developed a list from water ingress caused by the high winds and waves from Typhoon Gaemi. The vessel alerted authorities early in the morning that it had developed a list and was in distress. The cargo vessel quickly lost stability as the list increased to nearly 45 degrees. The 9 crew on board were unable to reach the life raft on board and were forced to jump overboard adorning just life jackets. The crew jumped into the sea as one group of four with another group of five. The waves quickly separated the men as conditions were too severe for authorities to reach them.
Reports state two crew were found alive having reached the coast near Fengbitou. Another two crewmen would reach the shore a short time afterwards. Unfortunately, locals also found the body fo the master of the Fu Sun. He had been driven up against the rocks and killed. Authorities state four crew still are reported as missing. Reports state the missing crewmen had their life jackets wash away from them during the storm.
Here are other vessels impacted by Typhoon Gaemi:
