Cargo Ship Suspected Of Being Fled After Collision, Investigated In Shanghai
The maritime authorities are now investigating a Liberian registered bulk carrier on suspicion of collision with the Chinese flagged fishing vessel MIN JIN, which happened the early morning of Sunday, Aug 30th.
Resulting from the collision, the fishing vessel sank near Pingtan Island in the Taiwan Straits with 12 sailors missing and 2 declared dead. The name of the cargo ship has not been disclosed as the Fujian Maritime Safety Administration does not have concrete proof.
The suspected cargo ship which is now docked in Shanghai port is currently under the surveillance of the maritime authorities for inquiry.
It is speculated that the cargo ship involved in the collision with the fishing vessel either fled the spot without providing assistance or did not notice the collision at all.
The maritime administration will do a thorough inspection of the ship for structural damage resulting from any collision and will also check the certificates, voyage data, and position of the ship during the time of the accident.
The Master and crew of the cargo ship will also be interviewed and the ship won’t be allowed to leave till the authorities give them a green light.
If found guilty, the crew and master of the ship may face hefty criminal charges. Rescue effort for the missing fishing vessel crew is still going on.
Reference: global.chinadaily.com.cn