Maritime Casualties--October 29, 2009

Navy Destroyer Collides with Commercial Vessel

Japanese navy destroyer, JS Kurama, collided with a South Korean freighter off southern Japan Tuesday night, setting ablaze both ships and injuring three crew.

JS Kurama collided with the 7,400-ton commercial vessel, Carina Star in the Kanmon Strait near the main island of Kyushu, about 530 miles southwest of Tokyo. One JS Kurama crew member was injured with scratches and bruises, while two others fell sick due to inhalation of smoke.

The fire on the container ship was extinguished shortly after the accident. The navy destroyer was still on fire late Tuesday, but still under control.

Carrying 360 sailors, the JS Kurama was heading to its home port of Sasebo after serving as a flagship for the country's triennial fleet review. The ship's bow was damaged but still capable of sailing on its own.

A government investigation is underway.

 

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Oil Spills After Chinese Ship Collides with Belgian Vessel

A Chinese oil supplier hit a Belgian cargo vessel at a refueling dock in the Caofeidian port in northern China Saturday night, causing an oil leak.

The Chinese ship, Jinyou No. 1 hit the Belgian vessel’s stern. The vessel, Lowlands Prosperity, was planning to unload and refuel at Kuangshi Wharf, but the accident caused damage to the hull and oil began to leak.

Local maritime departments dispatched emergency response workers to the site. The oil leak was sustained and the ships remaining fuel had been removed. Booms were put into place to control further pollution.