Office Address
123/A, Miranda City Likaoli Prikano, Dope
Phone Number
+0989 7876 9865 9
+(090) 8765 86543 85
Email Address
info@example.com
example.mail@hum.com
123/A, Miranda City Likaoli Prikano, Dope
+0989 7876 9865 9
+(090) 8765 86543 85
info@example.com
example.mail@hum.com
The incident occurred after the vessel
lost power and dragged its anchor during a storm.According to the Taiwan Coast Guard, the vessel, managed by Hong
Kong-based Grand Dragon Shipping, began drifting uncontrollably toward the
shore late on Saturday 7 Dec night.Radar surveillance detected the tanker
moving at speeds of up to 2 knots, prompting an urgent response when it was
half a mile west of Taichung Harbour.
The Liquid Gem, which was anchored
offshore awaiting clearance to load diesel, reported a main engine failure as
it battled high waves and wind reaching Force 10.
Unable to stop the tanker’s drift, the
Coast Guard attempted various rescue methods but decided not to use boats or
helicopters due to strong winds and shallow waters.With the vessel just 30 meters from the shore, the authorities employed
a crane from the port to evacuate 12 of the 15 crew members. The remaining
three crew members jumped overboard in fear of capsizingTwo were rescued,
while the Chinese crew member remains missing.The National Airborne Service
Corps launched a search operation for the missing seafarer early on December 8.
Local media reports identified the missing individual as a 47-year-old Chinese
national.
Meanwhile,
environmental teams have deployed oil booms and absorbent pads around the
grounded tanker to prevent any potential pollution.
Taiwan International Ports Corporation
(TIPC) reported that the 5,400-dwt vessel, built in 2015 is resting at a
15-degree angle near wave-dissipating blocks.While the tanker was empty of cargo, it was carrying approximately 110
tons of fuel oil, raising concerns about a potential spill. TIPC said that
oil extraction operations were scheduled to begin on December 10 to reduce the
risk of contamination.
The vessel had been anchored offshore
since late November after undergoing an inspection earlier that month.The
Liquid Gem is a 100-meter-long tanker operated by Grand Dragon Shipping. Records reveal it underwent two port state
control inspections in 2023, with deficiencies reported in firefighting
equipment, emergency escape devices, and the main engine.
Authorities have described the situation
as stable for now, but the search for
the missing seafarer continues, alongside efforts to secure the tanker and
prevent environmental damage.
