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Tag: Japan

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.

Yowa Maru

Yowa Maru

Yowa Maru

The 50 meter long, 432 dwt tanker Yowa Maru partially sank in the Japan Sea off Kudamatsu, Yamaguchi, Japan. The tanker was proceeding from Douala with 450 tons of caustic soda bound for Etajima.  Just after 5 minutes leaving port, it suffered water ingress along its port side hull. Unable to control the flooding, the Yowa Maru quickly developed a list to port. The vessel continued to partially sink until part of its deck awash with a 45 degree list to port.

All four crew on board were rescued. No reports of injuries and no confirmed reports of pollution released. Authorities did place booms around the tanker as a preventative measure.  The Coast Guard is monitoring the situation and will inspect the vessel to see if it possible to tow back to port.