Salvage Efforts Stopped After Oil Leak Found Near Grounded Tanker Off Japan

Japan Coastguard informed that efforts to remove a tanker that grounded this week were suspended and most of the crew were rescued from the vessel.

Meanwhile, an investigation has started to find the source of the oil slick which formed on January 8, 2025.

The ship, the 5000 DWT, Sanwa Maru ran aground at the southern end of Hokkaido in Japan’s northernmost island, around 1830 on January 6, 2025. According to the initial reports, there were no injuries and the vessel did not suffer from any damages.

The Japan Coastguard sent ships and attempted on January 7 to pull the tanker, owned by Wako Kisen off the rocks.

However, they could not dislodge the ship and more tugs were dispatched.

However, recently the ship’s crew reported that it had listed 5 degrees to starboard which raised concerns. 11 crew members were rescued and 4 remained on board to aid in efforts aimed at freeing the ship.

People reported a strong smell of oil. The tanker has 3,919 kiloliters of kerosene and 700KL of diesel fuel.

The slick extended a mile and a half from the ship but the Coastguard believed it was a small leak and that the cargo tanks were intact.

Salvage was discontinued as the teams investigated the leak and attempted to stop it from growing. Salvage efforts might resume on January 9, 2025, after the authorities assess the situation.

Reference: Safety4 Sea

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