AsiaGreater ChinaOperations
Chinese ship grounds on the edge of Japan’s largest coral reef
A Panamanian-flagged general cargo ship grounded early yesterday morning in stormy waters on the edge of Japan’s largest coral reef to the far south of the country.
The Chinese-owned, 13,567 dwt Xin Hai Zhou 2 lost power between Ishigaki and Kohama Island in Okinawa Prefecture on Tuesday morning. The Japanese coast guard were able to airlift the 19 crew safely from the vessel. Water ingress has been reported but there has been no signs of an oil leak as yet.
The 15-year-old ship is carrying a cargo of wood chip bound for Ishigaki port. Videos of the grounded vessel show it being battered by waves.