On December 29, the 80 meter long, 2141 dwt bulk freighter Royal Prime sank in the South China Sea off the Spratly Islands. The vessel struck a reef and quickly filled with water. Reports state the 18 crew on board were able to abandon ship to the vessel’s lifeboat. The Royal Prime is suspected to have sunk near (08 06N 114 30E). No further details reported.
The Chinese Navy Jianghu class frigate No. 560 ran aground in the South China Sea on Half Moon Shoal off the Spratly Islands. The frigate was stuck fast and was unable to free itself. The vessel was on patrol in the disputed waters when it struck the shoal. The Chinese authorities have stated that the no one was injured and that salvage operations were being conducted.
The 167 meter long, 26589 dwt freighter Bright Ruby sank in the South China Sea some 300 miles south Hong Kong, China. The vessel was proceeding from Penang, Malaysia, to Rizhao, China with a cargo of steel when it encountered bad weather. For unknown reasons, the Bright Ruby was overwhelmed by the weather and sank. The freighter was able to send out a distress call to the Hong Kong Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Center. The Center requested nearby vessels to assist while launching aircraft. Eight vessels responded and rescued 15 of the 21 crew on board the Bright Ruby. Six crewmen were reported as missing.
