On December 4, the 54 meter long coastal tanker Qi Cheng Xian Feng ran aground and sank near the north dyke of the Yangtze River Estuary. The tanker had run aground at low tide and sustained multiple hull breaches. With the rising tide, the Qi Cheng Xian Feng later sank by the stern. All 9 crew on board were able to abandon ship and rescued by authorities. No reports of injuries. No reports if the Qi Cheng Xian Feng has released any pollution.
The 9.7 ton fishing vessel Seonchang 1 capsized after colliding with the 336 ton tanker Myeongjin 15 near Incheon, South Korea. The Seonchang 1 was under charter with 22 persons on board was passing through a narrow channel near the Yeongheung Bridge when it was struck by the tanker. The fishing vessel quickly capsized spilling some passengers into the sea while others were trapped below deck. Authorities were alerted and launched a search and rescue operation. Rescuers found 3 survivors who were pulled from the water. Divers inspected the overturn hull and found 3 additional survivors. The 3 fishermen had found an air pocket keeping them alive until divers could rescue them. Divers also recovered 13 bodies from the Seonchang 1. Reports state two were still reported missing including the master of the Seonchang 1.
The 244 meter long, 107505 dwt tanker Maria Bottiglieri ran aground on the Western Scheldt near Borssele, Netherlands. The tanker was headed for Antwerp from the United States when it suffered a mechanical failure and ran aground. Fully loaded, the Maria Bottiglieri was unable to refloat itself and requested assistance. Three tugs were dispatched to the scene and were able to refloat the tanker a few hours later.
The Maria Bottiglieri was escorted to a nearby anchorage for further inspection. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.