Japanese Tanker Collides with Cargo Ship in Indian Ocean While Responding to Distress Signal

A collision in the Indian Ocean between a Japanese-operated tanker and a smaller cargo ship has resulted in a spill of as much as 30,000 barrels of crude oil. Reportedly, the tanker BRIGHT ARTEMIS tried to maneuver near the smaller vessel, AMAR, which had reported a fire on board. The spill is believed to be the largest ever involving a Japanese-operated tanker. Both vessels are registered in Singapore.



According to the tanker’s operators, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, the accident took place 300 miles west of India's Nicobar Islands as the tanker, responding to a distress signal, tried to maneuver near the AMAR, which had reported a fire on board. According to Mitsui accounts, a wind wave swept the AMAR into the BRIGHT ARTEMIS. A large gash in the tanker’s hull resulted. In response, the tanker transferred cargo internally to other tanks to prevent any further spillage of oil.



Mitsui also said that the exact amount of the spill was not clear, but the tanker had recently departed the port of Oman with about 1.8 million barrels of crude oil, bound for the Japanese port of Chiba. With no risk of further leaks, the 1992-built tanker has reportedly departed the accident scene and proceeded eastward to seek repairs at an unspecified port before continuing on to Japan.



There were no injuries reported on board the tanker. The crew of the AMAR was rescued by the BRIGHT ARTEMIS and other vessels that were in the vicinity. Mitsui O.S.K. said the spill had been reported to Singaporean and Indian Coast Guard officials. The environmental impact of the spill is expected to be limited, with the nearest point of land from the incident several hundred miles away.