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Houn Maru

Houn Maru

Houn Maru
Photo: mainichi.jp

The 90 meter long, 3881 dwt tanker Houn Maru allided with a bridge over Osaka Bay near the Kansai International Airport, Osaka, Japan. The Houn Maru had been at anchor when it was swept by gale force winds from Typhoon Jebi.  The tanker’s anchor dragged until the Houn Maru struck the bridge with extreme force.  The vessel’s superstructure struck into the road deck crushing its starboard side. The tanker’s hull sustained multiple breaches and water ingress which flooded the engine room.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iriAYUfWk4Q

Authorities were able to safely evacuate all 11 crew on board the Houn Maru.  No reports of injuries.  Reports state the Houn Maru had no cargo on board and no reports yet of any pollution released.

One section of the 3700 meter long bridge sustained severe damage shifting it several meters off its pier.  Authorities have stated the amount of damage to the bridge makes it unsafe for traffic.  Authorities state is will be at least several weeks before repairs can be completed.

Collision off Kobe

Collision off Kobe

On May 4, the 141 meter long, 11,913 dwt container ship SITC Osaka collided with the 338 meter long, 103,207 dwt container ship NYK Venus near Rokko Island, Kobe, Japan. The SITC Osaka was entering Kobe while the NYK Venus was leaving he harbor when the two vessels collided.  Initial reports stated the NYK Venus did not sustain significant damage and was allowed to continue on its voyage. The SITC Osaka sustained damage to its port stern section above the waterline.

On May 10, still berthed in Kobe unloading containers, a fire broke out among one of the damage containers on the stern section of the SITC Osaka.  Authorities dispatched fire fighting crews to the scene along with fire boats.  The fire burnt several containers, but there were no reports of injuries.

 

 

QEM Star

QEM Star

QEM Star
Photo: mbs.jp

The 95 meter long, 4034 dwt LPG tanker QEM Star ran aground at the entrance to the port of Takasago, Honshu, Japan. The QEM Star was travelling in ballast in the Japan Inner Sea in rough conditions when it was driven aground. The tanker alerted authorities that it was aground, but was no risk of sinking. The 16 crew remained on board the QEM Star as there were no injuries. Reports state tugs will refloat the QEM Star when conditions improve.  No reports of pollution released.