Collision in Tokyo Bay
The 30 meter long, 92 ton coastal tanker Sunway Maru collided with the 449 ton gravel carrier Daifuku Maru No. 8 off Umihotaru in Tokyo Bay, Japan. The Sunway Maru was loaded with lubricating oil was struck by the Daifuku Maru No. 8 which was loaded with gravel. The Sunway Maru sustained significant hull damage and water ingress. The tanker quickly sank by the stern leaving only the forepeak still visible. The 3 crew on board the Sunway Maru were rescued. No reports of injuries on either vessel. Reports state a large oil sheen several kilometers long was visible around the wreck. Authorities have dispatched pollution control vessels to the scene and have released chemical dispersants. The total amount of pollution released has not been disclosed.
