Collision off China Coast Sinks Cargo Ship, 10 Sailors Missing

China’s state run news agency, Xinhua, report s that two ships collided of the coast of the eastern city of Qingdao late Friday, causing one vessel to sink.

The Panama-flagged cargo ship, ORIENTAL SUNRISE, sank at 7:35 pm local time after colliding with the Panama-flagged container ship, HAMBURG BRIDGE.

Xinhua reports that nine crew members from ORIENTAL SUNRISE were rescued Friday evening, but 10 remain missing. All crew members are believed to be North Korean.  Three of the nine that were rescued were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment; one of the three injured died after emergency surgery failed to save his life. The other two are in serious condition.

Thirteen ships have been sent to search for the missing 10 crew members. Officials will be conducting an investigation into the collision.

The ORIENTAL SUNRISE is owned by Oriental li de International and operated by Dalian All Star Ship Management - both based in China. The HAMBURG BRIDGE is owned by Best Ship Holding SA and operated by K Line Ship Management- both based in Japan.