Video: Japanese Car Carrier Grounded, All 12 Crew Members Safe

The Coast Guard of Japan and the Transport Safety Board are looking into a grounding accident.

A car carrier named Suou, weighing 6100 DWT, constructed recently in 2019, was grounded while sailing into the calm sea and favourable weather conditions. However, it was in a busy lane when it happened.

Video Credit: ANNnewsCH/YouTube

The 590 m long car carrier loaded 100 cars in Japan and left from Port of Hakata on the 20th of November. It was destined for Iwakuni Port, but it touched the bottom at 1:00 am on the 21st of November close to Matsuyama.

The carrier was listing to the starboard side when the captain told the 12 crew members to go into the life raft. They were then saved 90 minutes later by the Coast Guard.

It continued drafting around 5 miles before the salvage crew could secure it. The vessel was towed to Kodomari Bay, and it was intended to strand it so it wouldn’t sink. Also, an oil bloom was kept as a precautionary measure, but no oil leaks have been reported.

Per the Coast Guard, the ship hit a rock near Nuwa Island, between Hiroshima and Matsuyama. Per media reports, an investigation is ongoing, focussing on negligent navigation.

References: Maritime Bulletin

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