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Yu Zhou Qi Hang

Yu Zhou Qi Hang

Yu Zhou Qi Hang
Photo: rti.org.tw

On October 30, the 143 meter long, 12,135 dwt heavy lift vessel Yu Zhou Qi Hang became disabled off Cape Yehliu, Taiwan.  The Yu Zhou Qi Hang had departed from Jilo bound for Zhangzhou with a heavy cargo of three gantry cranes.  The vessel had travelled on a few hours when it stop making headway as it approached the outer edge of Super Typhoon Kong-Rey. With wind gusts up to 300 kilometers per hour and waves reaching 16 feet, the master of the Yu Zhou Qi Hang felt the vessel was in danger and requested assistance. Authorities initially dispatched tugboats to the scene, but they were driven back by the rough conditions.  The Yu Zhou Qi Hang dropped both its anchors just over half a mile offshore to keep the vessel from being blown ashore.

Yu Zhou Qi Hang
Photo: focustaiwan.tw

 

Fortunately, the Taiwanese Coast Guard had dispatched a patrol vessel that was able to reach the Yu Zhou Qi Hang. The patrol boat arrived on scene and was able to safely rescue all 17 crew off the heavy lift vessel.

Authorities are preparing the possible major oil spill if the Yu Zhou Qi Hang is blown ashore ripping open its fuel tanks. Reports state the area has a stockpile of absorbent pads that can be deployed.

Yu Zhou Qi Hang
Photo: taiwanenglishnews.com

The Yu Zhou Qi Hang had been an earlier incident on October 14. As the vessel arrived in Keelung, it allided with an older gantry crane on the dock causing it to collapse. The incident resulted in destruction of the crane and destroying five empty containers.

 

Yu Zhou Qi Hang

Yu Zhou Qi Hang

Yu Zhou Qi Hang
Photo: Port of Keelung

On the afternoon of October 14, the 143 meter long, 12,135 dwt heavy lift cargo vessel Yu Zhou Qi Hang (IMO: 9643776) allided with gantry crane while entering the port of Keelung, Taiwan. The Yu Zhou Qi Hang had arrived from Dalian loaded with a brand new gantry crane onboard when the new crane struck the older crane on the pier.  The older crane toppled onto the pier. There was no reported damage to the vessel.

Reports state the incident has disrupted activity at the port on multiple piers. There was no injuries and no pollution released.

Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon
Photo: focustaiwan.tw

On the early morning of October 1, the 229 meter long, 79,471 bulk carrier Blue Lagoon (IMO: 9481427)  ran aground off Orchid Island, Taiwan. The Blue Lagoon departed from Caofedian, China with 67,500 tons of iron ore bound for Singapore when the bulk carrier stranded in rough seas caused by Typhoon Krathon.  The vessel ran up on the rocks sustaining hull damage and water ingress. The engine room quickly flooded as the pumps were unable to contain the water ingress. A distress call was sent out and authorities dispatched helicopters from the National Airborne Service Corps to the scene. The helicopters were able to lift all 19 crew off the Blue Lagoon safely to shore where they were examined by medical personnel.  No reports of injuries.

Authorities state that oil had been found in the water near the Blue Lagoon. Reports suspect the vessel’s fuel tanks had ruptured allowing some of the 227 tons of fuel oil on board to spill out into the sea. The local environmental bureau has been requested to contain the oil slick and conduct clean up operations.