Collision off Ningbo
On the early morning hours of April 2, the 129 meter long, 8470 gt bulk carrier Jianghai Zhida 66 (MMSI: 413530020) collided with the 136 meter long, 15496 dwt container ship Ningyuan Beilun (MMSI: 413609370) in the Yellow Sea near Yangmao Island, Ningbo, China. The Ningyuan Beilun departed from Ningbo with 934 containers struck the Jianghai Zhida 66 resulting in only minor damage to the Ningyuan Beilun. However, the Jianghai Zhida 66 sustained severe hull damage and uncontrolled water ingress on the bulk carrier. The water ingress was so great that the Jianghai Zhida 66 sank only five minutes after the collision throwing its 13 crew into the sea.
Ningbo authorities launched a search and rescue collision soon after the bulk carrier sank. Rescuers were able to pull 9 crew from the water uninjured. However, 3 other crew were found injured and taken to hospital for treatment. Authorities found one crew member had perished from the incident and recovered the body from the sea.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. The Ningyuan Beilun proceed to the Zhoushan Anchorage while the incident is being investigated. Reports state the Jianghai Zhida 66 was heading to load cargo at Ningbo for a voyage to Jiangyin. Authorities have not stated if any pollution has appeared over the site where the bulk carrier sank.