The 1058 dwt fishing vessel Fong Kuo No. 869 sank off Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The vessel was proceeding out of Kaohsiung after restrictions were lifted as Typhoon Dujuan departed from Taiwan when it developed a list. The list increased until the fishing vessel capsized and sank. Twenty-three crew on board were thrown into the sea. Two Coast Guard vessels were dispatched to the scene. Assisted by helicopters, the Coast Guard was able to pull 21 men from the water. Two remaining crewmen were rescued by nearby vessels. No reports of injuries.
On October 10, the 73 meter long, 2,700 ton research vessel Ocean Researcher V ran aground and sank off Penghu Islands, Taiwan. The Ocean Researcher V departed October 5 from Tainan City for an eight day research expedition with 27 researchers and 18 crew. On October 10, the Ocean Researcher V was seeking shelter from Typhoon Vangfong when it ran aground onto a reef near Penghu Islands. The vessel sustained hull damage with water ingress. The vessel lost power and was sinking. The crew quickly sent out a distress call.
Photo: Taiwan Ministry
Authorities dispatched two navy vessels and four patrol boats from the Coast Guard. A helicopter was dispatched and attempted to airlift the people off the research vessel, but large waves snapped the cable holding the cage. The 45 people on board put on life jackets and abandoned ship. Some were able to climb into rubber life rafts while others jumped into the sea.
Rescuers pulled 43 survivors which 25 had suffered injuries. Two bodies were also recovered. Reports state the two who perished were researchers including the head researcher leading the expedition.
Photo: Taiwan Coast Guard
Photo: Taiwan Ministry
Photo: Taiwan Coast Guard
Reports state the ministry who owns the vessel will attempt to salvage the research vessel. The Ocean Researcher V cost $48 million (US) to build in 2013.
The 87 meter long tanker Sheng Chang ran aground in heavy seas and winds of 85 miles per hour near Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The tanker was in ballast and had only 4 tons of diesel fuel on board when it was driven aground by Typhoon Matmo. The four crew on board sent out a distress call and later a rescue helicopter air lifted the crew to safety. No reports of injuries. The tanker was locally own and it’s insurance had expired. Typhoon Matmo prevents efforts to inspect the vessel for damage. Owners are expected to wait to the following day as conditions should improve allowing the remaining fuel on board to be removed.
