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Tokyo Bay Collision

Tokyo Bay Collision

Kiyosato Maru
Photo: asahicom.jp

On May 31, the 104 meter long,  4999 dwt tanker Kiyosato Maru and the 115 meter long, 6600 dwt bulk carrier JP Cosmos collided in Tokyo Bay near  Yokohama City, Japan.  The port stern section of the JP Cosmos had struck Kiyosato Maru’s bow.  Both vessels sustained damage, but there was no injuries or pollution released. The JP Cosmos was loaded with 6220 tons of coal while the JP Cosmos only had 2 tons of naphtha on board at the time of the incident. Both vessels were ordered to remain at anchor while authorities investigate the incident.

Sagan

Sagan

Sagan
Photo: asahicom.jp

The 108 meter long, 5404 dwt tanker Sagan ran aground in the East China Sea off Suwanose Island, Kagoshima, Japan. The tanker was headed to Japan from Taiwan when it blown ashore by strong winds and heavy seas. The hull was breached on the rocky shoreline. The Sagan’s fuel tanks were ruptured and released fuel oil into the sea. A large spill formed around the western side of the island. The pollution was being being dispersed by rough seas.

The crew alerted authorities and requested assistance. The Japan Coast Guard dispatched a helicopter to the scene and hoisted all 18 crew to safety. No reports of injuries.

USS Antietam

USS Antietam

USS Antietam
Photo: us navy

The 173 meter long, 9600 ton United States Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Antietam ran aground off the port of Yokosuka, Japan. The navy ship had at anchor when high winds caused the anchor to drag.  The vessel got underway to avoid being blown ashore, but it suffered a malfunction in its pitch control in both propellers. Unable to make headway, the USS Antietam was blown aground.

The missile cruiser struck bottom causing the vessel to shudder and damage the hull. No reports of injuries, but some 1100 gallons of oil was released into the sea. The USS Antietam was later towed back into port. Authorities report the US Navy was taking steps to clean up the pollution released.