On April 22, the 100 foot long cargo vessel Maavaa Star sank in the Indian Ocean off Vaavu Atoll, Maldives. The fully laden cargo vessel had run aground on a patch reef near Fulidhoo Island. The vessel contacted authorities and were later rescued. No reports of injuries to the 5 persons on board at the time. No further details reported.
The 24 meter long, 91 gt fishing vessel Ming Maan Shyang No. 18 caught fire in the Indian Ocean some 700 miles south of Reunion Island. The vessel had sent out a distress call as the Ming Maan Shyang No. 18 rapidly became engulfed in flames. The distress call was relayed to near by vessels in the area. The fishing vessel Hung Yi responded and arrived on scene a short time later. The Hung Yi rescued 13 of the 15 crew off the Ming Maan Shyang No. 18 who had abandoned ship earlier onto 2 life rafts.
Reports state one crewman had suffered severe burns from the fire. The remaining two crew from the Ming Maan Shyang No. 18 were reported as missing. A search and rescue operation was conducted around the area of the fishing vessel. The Ming Maan Shyang No. 18 was last reported to have it’s superstructure completely burnt, but the vessel was still afloat.
The 46 meter long, 489 gt fishing vessel Hsiang Fuh No. 6 caught fire in the Indian Ocean some 736 kilometers off Durban South Africa. The blaze could not be contained and the crew sent out a distress call before all 30 persons on board abandoned ship into the vessel’s two life rafts.
The message was relayed to the South African Maritime Safety Authority who notified nearby vessels. The container ship Ever Diadem, bulk carrier Hampton Bay and bulk carrier SBI Antares responded. Sixteen crew were rescued by the Ever Diadem while 14 were picked up by the SBI Antares. Both vessels proceded to Durban with the survivors. One crew member had sustained serious burns.
Reports state the Hsiang Fuh No. 6 was last sighted still burning and afloat. Authorities have issued a navigation warning around the area.
