Ship Seeking Refuge Spills Oil off Taiwan

Panamanian registered cargo ships grounds off Taipei.

The MV MORNING SUN seeking shelter from high winds transited too close the coast and grounded less than 300 meters from the shoreline. The 14,663-ton cargo ship, which was on a voyage from Singapore to South Korea, spilled more than 100 tons of heavy fuel oil. More than 200 workers and oil booms are trying to contain the oil, which has already polluted more than 3 miles of coastline.

A nearby nuclear power plant, which relies on sea water to cool its reactors, was put on alert. Maritime officials inspected the stranded ship and are formulating a cleanup plan and scheduling to have the remaining oil transferred off the ship.