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Shoko Maru Explosion

Shoko Maru Explosion

Photo: Kyoto News
Photo: Kyoto News

The 2242 dwt chemical tanker Shoko Maru exploded while in the Japan Sea off Kobe, Japan.  The tanker was anchored with only ballast after off loading heavy oil at a nearby port when fumes from the cargo tanks exploded.  Seven crew were rescued, but many suffered burns and were hospitalized.  The master of the vessel was reported missing and presumed lost.

The Shoko Maru suffered extensive damage from the explosion and resulting fire.  Coast Guard and fire fighting vessels were able to extinguish the blaze, but the tanker sustained too much damage and sank bow a short time later.  Reports state the explosion was started by a spark while a crewman using a grinder to remove paint off the cargo deck.

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ASIAN EMPIRE

ASIAN EMPIRE

Asian Empire 1

The 229 meter long, 25765 dwt car carrier Asian Empire caught fire in the Pacific Ocean some 740 kilometers south of Shionomisaki, Japan.  The fire started in the vessel’s storeroom and quickly got out of control.  Unable to contain the blaze, the crew sent out a distress call before the 24 crew abandoned ship into the vessel’s two life rafts.  Coast Guard coordinated efforts with the refrigerated vessel Asian Adonis changed course to the scene.  The Adonis was able to recover all the Asian Empire crew from their life rafts. There were no reported injuries.  The Asian Empire crew were taken to Saipan.  Reports state the Asian Empire was still ablaze and adrift.  The Asian Empire was en route to Panama with a cargo of vehicles.

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Sumise Maru No. 38

Sumise Maru No. 38

Sumise Maru No. 38
Sumise Maru No. 38

The 70 meter long, 1730 dwt cement carrier Sumise Maru No. 38 collided with the 52 meter long, 696 dwt chemical tanker Kaisei Maru in the Japan Sea off Hyogo, Japan.   The Sumise Maru was proceeding in ballast from Osaka to Ako when it was struck by the Kaisei Maru.  The Sumise Maru filled with with water and  sank 3 hours later.  One crewman on each vessel was injured in the collision.  The Kaisei Maru was able to proceed under its own power to Himeji.  The tanker was carrying 1000 tons of methanol from Osaki-Kamijima to Himeji.

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